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In a significant move to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Families Lose Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import US LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to outside pressures.