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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import American LNG through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over these actions, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that China is open to more agricultural and food products from the nation, as per the official media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business there, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to external pressures.