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Through a major step to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and other essential equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Relatives Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a uncommon news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered ship and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa region, authorities said. This event occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import US LNG through the region. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew aboard were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Officials Relocate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russian Sanctions Legislation

US president Trump is willing to approve a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate decision-making power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration representative stated. The U.S. president told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting legislation to impose restrictions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

Poland's prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for deliveries to Ukraine 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 opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and other investments, Premier Li Qiang stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more farm and food-related products from Russia, according to a state-run media outlet. China also desires that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to invest and do business there, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its resilience to external pressures.