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Through a major move to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Villages Following Drone Attack

Romanian authorities announced they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube River area, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Donald Trump Open to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he keeps ultimate decision-making power over these actions, an high-ranking White House official said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an blast along a part of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Premier Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russian Federation

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.