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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in American LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking White House official stated. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.