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In a significant move to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defense equipment and other essential gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Families Lose Communication

Several families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been severed. During a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in American LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, causing warnings in adjacent Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that China welcomes more farm and food-related products from the nation, according to the official media outlet. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to external pressures.