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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Contact

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. At a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring all requests to help with the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Attack

Romanian authorities said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently attacked Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

The American leader Trump is prepared to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains final authority authority over any such actions, a senior White House official stated. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose restrictions on countries doing business with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line employed in deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have resulted in catastrophe. This statement coincided with a statement from legal authorities indicating that an investigation had opened “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign spy service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food goods from Russia, according to the official news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the source mentioned. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the two sides has consistently demonstrated its resilience to external pressures.