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Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials reported. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages After Aerial Incident

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, causing warnings in adjacent the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior White House representative said. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Russia over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to outside pressures.