🔗 Share this article Ukraine Inks Historic Deal for France's Fighter Jets, Drones and Air Defence Equipment Through a major move to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.” Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' return. Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in American LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt. Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania. US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate authority power over these actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump informed reporters recently that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine. Poland's Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption” Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external spy service against the nation of the country.” Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per the official news agency. China also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.