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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Russia's widespread military action of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

US President Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over these actions, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, as per a state-run news agency. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.