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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains final authority power over any such actions, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more farm and food-related goods from the nation, as per the official news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.