Russia focused Ukraine on Sunday with one among its largest drone bombardments of the battle, an obvious present of drive solely a day earlier than President Trump is anticipated to speak with President Vladimir V. Putin as Mr. Trump pushes Russia to just accept a cease-fire deal.
The drone barrage, wherein an estimated 273 exploding drones and decoys have been recorded within the skies throughout Ukraine, killed a girl and injured a number of different individuals.
It got here hours after Mr. Trump stated on Saturday that he would speak with Mr. Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who has agreed to an unconditional and quick cease-fire, in addition to the leaders of the NATO alliance. Mr. Putin has dragged his toes on agreeing to any short-term truce, including preconditions that he is aware of Ukraine is not going to settle for.
On Sunday, Mr. Zelensky met in Rome with Vice President JD Vance of their first encounter since a contentious White House meeting in February. The Sunday sit-down, which additionally included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, befell after they attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass.
The assembly gave the impression to be an try to point out that any animosity between Mr. Vance and Mr. Zelensky had dissipated. The White Home stated in an announcement that the assembly centered on the present standing of negotiations towards a cease-fire and an enduring peace.
Mr. Trump additionally met with Mr. Zelensky in personal on the Vatican earlier than the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26 and later spoke warmly of the Ukrainian chief.