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In a significant step to strengthen its future defense, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, drones, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Children: Families Cut Off Communication

Several relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have raised concerns about their fate, stating that all contact has been cut off. At a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone struck a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in the southern part of the Odesa region, officials said. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a agreement to import US liquefied natural gas through the region. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew members aboard were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities After Drone Incident

Romanian authorities said they had evacuated two communities near the Ukrainian border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After invading Ukraine in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's ports in the Danube River area, triggering alerts in adjacent the country.

United States President Trump Open to Approve Russian Penalties Legislation

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any such actions, an high-ranking White House official said. Trump informed journalists 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 failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of railway line used for deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that might have led to catastrophe. This statement coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] carried out on orders of a foreign intelligence agency against the nation of the country.”

China Leader Expresses Willingness to Expand Cooperation with Russian Federation

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with the Russian Federation in the energy sector, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russia's leader Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Li told Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per the official media outlet. China also desires that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate there, the source cited. Mishustin assured his counterpart that the cooperation between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to outside challenges.