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In a significant move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of railway line employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.