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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import American LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more farm and food-related products from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to external challenges.