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In a significant move to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romanian officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, triggering alerts in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final decision-making authority over any such actions, a senior White House official stated. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

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

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist kind […] committed on orders of a foreign intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food goods from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly proven its resilience to outside pressures.