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In a significant step to bolster its future defense, Ukraine has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key equipment from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a joint press briefing at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader referred to the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Forcibly Deported Children: Families Cut Off Contact

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare news conference in the French capital, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children taken after Russia's widespread military action of the country in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

A drone hit a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, authorities reported. The incident occurred just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The vessel was hit while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew members aboard evacuated and no one was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Relocate Communities After Aerial Incident

Romania's authorities announced they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine frontier following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring the country.

US President Donald Trump Willing to Sign Russia Penalties Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to impose sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps ultimate decision-making authority over these measures, an high-ranking White House representative said. The U.S. president told journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to impose sanctions on countries engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Polish Leader Describes Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Disruption”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that could have led to catastrophe. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had opened “concerning actions of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] committed on behalf of a external spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

China Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Premier Li stated during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per the official media outlet. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business in Russia, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to outside pressures.