🔗 Share this article Ukraine Signs Major Deal for France's Fighter Aircraft, Drones and Air Defense Systems Through a major move to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.” Forcibly Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact A number of families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' return. Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. This event occurred just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured. Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Incident Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania. United States President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Bill US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final authority power over these actions, a senior White House representative stated. Trump informed journalists recently that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine. Poland's Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage” Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the Republic of the country.” Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to external pressures.