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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US LNG through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two communities near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps final decision-making power over these measures, a senior U.S. administration representative stated. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.