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Through a major step to strengthen its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Lose Communication

Several families of Ukraine's children who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in 2022, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities said. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the area. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had relocated two villages near the Ukrainian border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States Leader Donald Trump Open to Sign Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps final authority authority over any such actions, a senior White House official said. Trump informed 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 ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of rail track used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional financial ventures, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business there, the source cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has consistently proven its resilience to external challenges.