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Through a major step to bolster its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Families Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import American LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final authority power over these measures, an high-ranking White House official stated. The U.S. president told journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food-related products from the nation, according to the official news agency. China also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.