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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Lose Contact

Several families of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in US LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities After Drone Incident

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over any such measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.