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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that all contact has been severed. At a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to bring in American LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities After Aerial Incident

Romanian officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US Leader Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps final authority power over these measures, a senior U.S. administration official stated. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities saying that an investigation had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that China welcomes more agricultural and food products from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the report cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly proven its strength to external pressures.