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Through a major step to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities reported. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external intelligence agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. China also desires that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.