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In a significant step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian 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 press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to bring in US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final authority power over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official stated. The U.S. president told journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to disaster. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to outside pressures.