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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior White House official said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to outside challenges.