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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors removed after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa area, officials said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US LNG through the region. The vessel was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail port, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Approve Russia Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final authority authority over these actions, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

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

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign spy service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to outside pressures.