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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import American LNG through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romanian officials said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration representative stated. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food products from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to outside challenges.