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In a significant step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

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

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.