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In a significant step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Lose Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final authority authority over these measures, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

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

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to outside challenges.