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In a significant step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to external pressures.