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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has finalized a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and other essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. At a rare 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 every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romania's officials said they had evacuated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, causing alerts in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is prepared to approve a bill to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to the country as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign spy agency against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is ready to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that China is open to more farm and food goods from Russia, according to the official news agency. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the report mentioned. Mishustin told Li that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently proven its strength to outside pressures.