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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final authority authority over these measures, a senior U.S. administration representative stated. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food-related goods from Russia, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.