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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Families Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final authority power over any such measures, a senior White House representative stated. Trump told reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

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

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food goods from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to external challenges.