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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River region, causing alerts in adjacent the country.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to outside pressures.