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In a significant step to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Lose Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials reported. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate authority authority over these measures, an high-ranking White House official said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that the country is open to more farm and food products from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.