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In a significant step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps final decision-making authority over these measures, an high-ranking White House official said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that the country welcomes more farm and food goods from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.