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In a significant move to bolster its future security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other key gear from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Minors: Relatives Cut Off Communication

Several families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been severed. During a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. This event occurred just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import US LNG via the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities After Aerial Incident

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube area, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over these actions, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more farm and food-related goods from Russia, as per a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source cited. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to outside challenges.