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Through a major move to bolster its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

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

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per the official news agency. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.