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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and other key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the area. The vessel was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump informed reporters 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 inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a section of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.