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In a significant move to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final authority power over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.