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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Lose Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final authority power over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external spy service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly proven its resilience to external challenges.