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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia 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, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in American LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior White House official said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external spy service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China welcomes more agricultural and food goods from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external pressures.