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In a significant step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration representative stated. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Leader Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the report mentioned. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to external pressures.