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In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire as many as 100 Rafale jets, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Lose Contact

Several relatives of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a uncommon press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who is responsible for two children removed after Russia's widespread invasion of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to help with the children's repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle struck a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine's Odesa area, authorities said. The incident took place just a day after the Ukrainian president signed a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas via the region. The MT Orinda was hit while unloading LPG at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was injured.

Romania's Officials Relocate Villages After Aerial Attack

Romania's officials said they had relocated two communities near the Ukrainian frontier following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. After entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukrainian harbors in the Danube region, causing warnings in neighbouring the country.

US President Trump Willing to Approve Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign a bill to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation, provided that he retains ultimate authority authority over these actions, a senior White House official said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over its inability to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine.

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

Poland's leader, Tusk, has described an blast along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terror-related kind […] carried out on behalf of a external spy agency against the Republic of Poland.”

Chinese Leader Shows Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

China is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food goods from the nation, according to a state-run media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Russia will facilitate for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the both nations has repeatedly proven its resilience to external pressures.