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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Lose Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing alerts in adjacent the country.

US President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist kind […] committed on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.