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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term security, Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defence systems and additional essential equipment from the French Republic. This deal was formalized by Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Macron during a shared press briefing at the Elysée presidential residence. Zelenskyy described the arrangement as “a historic deal.”

Forcibly Taken Minors: Relatives Cut Off Contact

A number of families of Ukraine's children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, reporting that all contact has been severed. During a rare press event in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Moscow's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that officials in Russia are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Hits Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Southern Ukraine

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged ship and caused a fire in southern the Odesa region, officials said. The incident took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to bring in US liquefied natural gas through the region. The vessel was struck while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, as stated by Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs. Every one of the 16 crew on board were safely removed and no one was hurt.

Romanian Officials Relocate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials said they had evacuated two villages near the Ukraine border after the aerial strike on the MT Orinda. Since entering the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in the Danube region, triggering alerts in adjacent Romania.

US Leader Trump Willing to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill

The American leader Donald Trump is willing to approve a bill to enact penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority power over any such measures, a senior White House official said. Trump informed reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to negotiate a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Unprecedented Case of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had opened “regarding acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy agency against the Republic of the country.”

Chinese Premier Expresses Readiness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to deepen collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mishustin in the Russian capital. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also desires that Moscow will facilitate for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its strength to external pressures.