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In a significant step to bolster its future security, the Ukrainian government has finalized a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. This deal was signed by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the pact as “an unprecedented agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

Several families of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, stating that all contact has been cut off. During a rare press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who is responsible for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to help with the minors' return.

Drone Strike Targets Turkey-Registered Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event took place just a day after the Ukrainian president approved a deal to import US LNG through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was injured.

Romania's Officials Evacuate Communities Following Aerial Attack

Romanian officials said they had relocated two villages near the Ukraine frontier after the drone attack on the tanker. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, triggering warnings in adjacent the country.

US President Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

US president Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making power over these actions, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Prime Minister Calls Railway Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

The Polish leader, Donald Tusk, has described an blast along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of disruption” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist kind […] carried out on behalf of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food products from Russia, as per a state-run news agency. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told Li that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to external challenges.