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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump told journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.