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Through a major step to bolster its future security, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic deal.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of families of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a uncommon news conference in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken 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.

Drone Strike Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkey-registered tanker and set it ablaze in southern the Odesa area, authorities said. The incident occurred just one day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import US LNG through the area. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew members on board were safely removed and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Incident

Romanian officials announced they had evacuated two villages close to the Ukrainian border after the drone attack on the tanker. Since entering the country in recent years, Moscow has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

United States Leader Trump Open to Approve Russia Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to approve legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making power over any such measures, a senior White House representative stated. Trump told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Explosion an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish prime minister, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of sabotage of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russian Federation

China is prepared to deepen cooperation with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and additional investments, Leader Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that China welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to invest and do business there, the source mentioned. Mishustin told his counterpart that the partnership between the both nations has consistently demonstrated its strength to outside pressures.