Russia launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine since the war began in 2022, targeting cities overnight and killing at least one woman. The strike came just one day before a planned discussion between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about a possible ceasefire.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency said it believes Moscow also planned to test-fire an intercontinental ballistic missile on Sunday. Ukrainian officials called it an effort to intimidate Western countries. So far, Russia has not responded to the accusation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday. The meeting took place during Pope Leo’s inauguration at the Vatican. Zelenskiy said the talks were productive and stressed Ukraine’s readiness to pursue “real diplomacy.” He also called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
President Zelenskiy also held a meeting with Pope Leo after attending the new pontiff’s inaugural Mass.
On Friday, Ukraine and Russia held their first direct talks in more than three years. The talks were prompted by pressure from President Trump, who has promised to bring the war to a quick end. While the two sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, they failed to reach a ceasefire deal. A Ukrainian delegate said Russia’s conditions were “non-starters.”
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland are scheduled to speak with President Trump before his Monday call with Putin, according to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. These four leaders visited Kyiv last week and warned that more sanctions would follow unless Russia accepts a ceasefire. Zelenskiy said they joined him in calling Trump after the Friday talks.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 273 drones overnight. The attack, as of 8 a.m. Sunday, broke the previous record set in February on the third anniversary of the war.
