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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. At a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import American liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over these actions, a senior White House official stated. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.