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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities After Drone Attack

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, causing alerts in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, a senior White House official stated. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate there, the report mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to external challenges.