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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Lose Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, officials reported. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these measures, a senior White House official said. Trump told journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the report mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external pressures.