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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in US LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Open to Approve Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve a bill to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final authority power over any such measures, a senior White House official stated. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that China welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.