🔗 Share this article Kyiv Signs Major Agreement for France's Fighter Aircraft, Drones and Air Defense Systems Through a major move to bolster its long-term security, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense equipment and additional essential gear from the French Republic. The agreement was signed by Ukraine's leader Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée palace. Zelenskyy referred to the arrangement as “a historic deal.” Against Their Will Taken Children: Families Cut Off Communication Several relatives of Ukraine's minors who were forcibly deported to Russia have raised concerns about their well-being, reporting that all contact has been severed. At a rare press event in the French capital, Darina Repina, who cares for two minors removed after Russia's full-scale military action of Ukraine in recent years, said that Russian authorities are disregarding every appeal to facilitate the minors' repatriation. Unmanned Aerial Attack Hits Turkey-Registered Tanker in Odesa A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in southern the Odesa area, authorities reported. This event occurred just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to import US LNG through the area. The vessel was hit while unloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's maritime authority. All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt. Romanian Authorities Relocate Villages After Drone Attack Romanian officials announced they had relocated two communities near the Ukraine border following the aerial strike on the tanker. Since entering Ukraine in 2022, Russian forces has consistently targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube region, triggering alerts in neighbouring Romania. United States Leader Donald Trump Willing to Approve Russia Penalties Bill The American leader Trump is willing to approve legislation to impose penalties on Russia, provided that he retains ultimate authority authority over these measures, a senior U.S. administration official said. The U.S. president informed journalists late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that GOP members were working on legislation to apply sanctions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine. Poland's Prime Minister Describes Rail Explosion an “Unprecedented Act of Sabotage” Poland's leader, Tusk, has labeled an explosion along a section of rail track employed in shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of sabotage” that might have resulted in disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from public prosecutors saying that an inquiry had been initiated “regarding actions of disruption of a terror-related nature […] committed on behalf of a external spy service against the nation of Poland.” Chinese Leader Shows Readiness to Deepen Partnership with Russia The Chinese government is prepared to strengthen collaboration with Russia in energy, farming and other financial ventures, Leader Li Qiang said during a meeting with Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier informed Mishustin that the country is open to more agricultural and food goods from Russia, according to the official media outlet. China also desires that Russia will make it easier for companies from China to put money and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the partnership between the both nations has consistently proven its strength to external pressures.