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In a significant move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has finalized a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented deal.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, officials reported. The incident occurred just one day after Zelenskyy signed a agreement to import American liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities Following Drone Incident

Romanian officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border after the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, causing alerts in neighbouring the country.

United States President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

US president Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is ready to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the source cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to outside challenges.