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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to bring in American LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Relocate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romanian officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.