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In a significant move to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children 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 the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, officials said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate authority power over these measures, a senior White House official stated. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the source mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.