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Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities After Drone Attack

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such measures, a senior White House representative said. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.