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In a significant move to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key equipment from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior White House official said. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.