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Through a major move to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import US LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final authority power over these actions, a senior White House representative stated. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

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

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more farm and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.