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In a significant step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import American LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these measures, a senior White House official said. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that China is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.