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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Relatives Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring every appeal to help with the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US LNG through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River region, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final decision-making power over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] carried out on behalf of a foreign spy service against the Republic of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food-related goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the report mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.