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Through a major move to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key equipment from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over these actions, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food goods from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate there, the report mentioned. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.