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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Lose Communication

Several families of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US LNG through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, causing warnings in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final authority authority over these measures, a senior White House official stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly proven its strength to outside challenges.