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Through a major step to bolster its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, officials reported. This event occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such measures, a senior White House official stated. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food-related products from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.