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Through a major move to strengthen its future security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. At a rare news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to outside pressures.