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Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the children's return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in US LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages After Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

United States President Trump Open to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final authority authority over these actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly proven its resilience to external challenges.