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In a significant move to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Lose Communication

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 press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew aboard were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River region, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Donald Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making power over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food-related products from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.