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In a significant step to bolster its future defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and other key gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food goods from the nation, as per a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the report cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.