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In a significant move to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a rare news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to help with the children's return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy service against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and other financial ventures, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly proven its strength to external pressures.