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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in Paris, 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 help with the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials reported. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over these measures, an high-ranking White House official said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

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

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed his counterpart that China is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.