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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. This deal was formalized by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romanian authorities announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps final authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House representative said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply restrictions on countries doing business with Russia over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] committed on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. Li told his counterpart that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from the nation, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.