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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final authority power over these measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.