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In a significant step to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defense equipment and other essential gear from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been severed. At a uncommon press event in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered ship and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, authorities reported. This event took place just one day after Zelenskyy signed a deal to bring in American liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Villages Following Aerial Incident

Romanian authorities announced they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

United States President Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact penalties on the Russian Federation, provided that he keeps ultimate authority authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House representative stated. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Moscow over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an investigation had been initiated “concerning actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li Qiang said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per the official news agency. China also desires that Moscow will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business in Russia, the report cited. The Russian leader assured his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.