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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and other essential gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over these actions, an high-ranking White House representative said. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

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

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.