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In a significant step to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense equipment and other essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Contact

Several families of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the children's return.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import American LNG via the area. The vessel was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Authorities Evacuate Villages After Drone Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian border following the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

US President Donald Trump Open to Approve Russia Sanctions Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over these measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Describes Railway Explosion an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an investigation had opened “regarding actions of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on behalf of a external spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told Mishustin that China is open to more agricultural and food-related goods from the nation, according to a state-run news agency. China also hopes that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader assured Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to outside challenges.