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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president told reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.