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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, officials reported. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to bring in US LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over these measures, a senior White House official said. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly proven its strength to outside pressures.