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In a significant move to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of families of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, officials said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube River region, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

US Leader Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to apply restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a external spy service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, farming and other investments, Leader Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, as per the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and operate in Russia, the source cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to external challenges.