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Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in American LNG via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final decision-making power over any such measures, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.