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In a significant move to strengthen its long-term defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making power over any such actions, a senior White House official stated. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

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

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to external pressures.