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In a significant step to strengthen its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and other key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to import US LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukrainian border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over these measures, a senior White House representative said. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the nation of Poland.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

China is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Leader Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.