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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier after the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final authority authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

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

Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the report mentioned. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.