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Through a major move to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, officials said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making power over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. The U.S. president informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food goods from the nation, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate there, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.