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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import American LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making power over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.