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Through a major step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages After Drone Incident

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains final authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed journalists recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Leader Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.