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

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to help with the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to import American LNG via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romanian officials announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making power over these measures, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, as per the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly proven its resilience to external challenges.