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Through a major move to strengthen its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase as many as 100 Rafale jets, drones, air defense equipment and other essential gear from France. The agreement was signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France's leader Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée residence. The Ukrainian leader described the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Deported Minors: Families Cut Off Communication

A number of relatives of Ukraine's minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been severed. At a uncommon press event in Paris, a legal guardian, who cares for two children removed after Moscow's widespread military action of Ukraine in recent years, stated that officials in Russia are disregarding all requests to facilitate the minors' repatriation.

Unmanned Aerial Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Tanker in Odesa

An unmanned aerial vehicle hit a Turkish-flagged tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities reported. The incident took place just one day after Zelenskyy approved a deal to import American LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while offloading LPG at Izmail harbor, as stated by Turkish maritime authority. All 16 crew aboard evacuated and no one was injured.

Romanian Officials Relocate Villages Following Drone Incident

Romanian officials said they had relocated two communities close to the Ukraine frontier following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukraine's ports in the Danube region, causing warnings in adjacent Romania.

United States Leader Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Legislation

The American leader Trump is willing to sign a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, as long as he retains final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior White House representative said. Trump informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “acceptable to me” that GOP members were drafting a bill to apply sanctions on nations doing business with Moscow over its inability to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Polish Leader Calls Rail Blast an “Never-Before-Seen Case of Sabotage”

Poland's prime minister, Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of rail track employed in deliveries to the country as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” that might have led to disaster. This statement coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors indicating that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning actions of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a foreign spy agency against the nation of the country.”

Chinese Leader Shows Willingness to Expand Partnership with Russia

The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Russian Federation in energy, farming and additional investments, Leader Li said during a discussion with Russian prime minister Mishustin in Moscow. Li informed Mishustin that the country welcomes more agricultural and food-related products from Russia, according to the official media outlet. China also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for companies from China to put money and do business there, the report mentioned. The Russian leader told his counterpart that the partnership between the two sides has repeatedly proven its resilience to outside pressures.