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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Lose Contact

Several families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in 2022, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact sanctions on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over these actions, a senior White House representative said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have led to disaster. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed his counterpart that China is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external pressures.