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In a significant step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional essential gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, officials reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

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

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.