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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to help with the children's return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in US LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, causing warnings in adjacent Romania.

United States President Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, a senior U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food products from the nation, as per the official media outlet. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the report cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.