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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final authority authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president told reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist kind […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.