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In a significant step to bolster its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials reported. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import US LNG via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, triggering alerts in adjacent the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final authority power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to outside pressures.