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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Lose Communication

Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a rare press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials reported. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more farm and food products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.