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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River region, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official said. Trump told reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to outside pressures.