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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, officials reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Aerial Incident

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

US President Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps final authority authority over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate there, the report cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.