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Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in US LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Relocate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking White House official stated. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.