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Through a major step to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to bring in US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in 2022, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps final authority authority over these actions, a senior White House official stated. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

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

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.