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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior White House representative stated. Trump told reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

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

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.