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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to help with the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, officials reported. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities After Drone Incident

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two communities near the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making authority over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food products from the nation, as per a state-run news agency. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate there, the source mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.