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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Incident

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official stated. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation 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 Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on orders of a external spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China welcomes more farm and food goods from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the report cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.