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Through a major step to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials reported. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in US LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food products from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the report mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.