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Through a major step to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who cares for two minors taken after Moscow's widespread military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials reported. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Relocate Communities After Drone Attack

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube area, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to sign a bill to impose penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps ultimate authority power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a part of rail track used for shipments to the country as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a external intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional investments, Premier Li stated during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more farm and food products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the report mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience to external challenges.