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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in US LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing alerts in adjacent the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final authority authority over these measures, an high-ranking White House official stated. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

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

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a external spy service against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and other investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run news agency. China also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.