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Through a major move to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment 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 residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American LNG via the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages After Aerial Incident

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine frontier after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority authority over these actions, an high-ranking White House official said. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

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

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food-related products from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to outside pressures.