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Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Lose Contact

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, causing alerts in adjacent the country.

US Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy service against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more farm and food-related goods from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to outside challenges.