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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 jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US LNG through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, causing alerts in adjacent the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. The U.S. president told reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that China welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.