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Through a major step to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two communities near the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking White House representative stated. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, as per the official news agency. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.