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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Lose Contact

Several families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages After Aerial Incident

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering alerts in adjacent the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final authority power over any such measures, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president told reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to disaster. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.