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In a significant move to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Lose Communication

Several families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import American LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per the official news agency. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate there, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to outside challenges.