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Through a major move to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import American LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains final authority power over these actions, a senior White House official stated. Trump told reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related products from the nation, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.