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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional key gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in American liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of railway line employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement came as a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food-related goods from the nation, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to outside challenges.