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Through a major move to strengthen its future security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and additional key gear from the French Republic. This deal was signed by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Macron during a shared news conference at the Elysée presidential residence. The Ukrainian leader described the pact as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Children: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian children who were taken against their will to the Russian Federation have sounded the alarm about their fate, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a rare news conference in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two children removed after Russia's full-scale military action of the country in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are ignoring all requests to facilitate the children's return.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa

A drone hit a Turkish-flagged ship and set it ablaze in the southern part of the Odesa region, authorities said. The incident took place just one day after the Ukrainian president signed a agreement to bring in American liquefied natural gas through the area. The MT Orinda was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkish maritime authority. Every one of the 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romanian Officials Evacuate Communities After Aerial Attack

Romania's officials announced they had evacuated two communities near the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the MT Orinda. Since invading Ukraine in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, triggering warnings in neighbouring Romania.

United States President Trump Open to Sign Russian Penalties Bill

US president Donald Trump is willing to sign legislation to enact penalties on Russia, as long as he keeps final authority power over these measures, an high-ranking U.S. administration official said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that Republicans were working on legislation to apply restrictions on countries engaging commercially with Russia over its inability to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

Poland's Leader Describes Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a section of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have resulted in disaster. These remarks came as a statement from legal authorities indicating that an inquiry had opened “concerning acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy service against the nation of the country.”

China Premier Expresses Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

The Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with Russia in energy, agriculture and additional financial ventures, Premier Li said during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in the Russian capital. Li told his counterpart 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 Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to put money and do business there, the source cited. The Russian leader told Li that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to outside challenges.