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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. At a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Open to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over these actions, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.