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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will 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 Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials reported. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romanian officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over any such actions, 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 Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

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

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.