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Through a major move to bolster its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import American LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps final authority authority over these actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to external challenges.