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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities reported. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in US LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, causing warnings in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. These remarks came as a announcement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food products from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.