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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food products from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.