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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making power over these measures, a senior White House representative stated. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

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

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin told Li that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.