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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and other key equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukraine's 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, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Relocate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior White House official said. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external spy service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate there, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.