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Through a major move to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in American LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Trump is prepared to approve a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains ultimate authority power over any such actions, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the source cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.