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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other key equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Families Lose Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in American LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering alerts in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate authority power over these actions, a senior White House official stated. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

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

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food goods from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.