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Through a major step to strengthen its future defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and additional essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail port, according to Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains final authority authority over these actions, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Prime Minister Calls Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a section of railway line employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement came as a announcement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of disruption of a terror-related kind […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, according to the official media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to external pressures.