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In a significant move to strengthen 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 additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several relatives 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 news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. After entering the country in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over these actions, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to impose sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country welcomes more farm and food-related goods from the nation, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to external pressures.