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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in American LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities near the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Open to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food products from Russia, as per a state-run 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 Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to outside challenges.