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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Lose 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 cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in US LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages near the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over any such measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. The U.S. president told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food products from Russia, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.