Russia unleashes biggest drone attack on Ukraine since war began, killing civilians and damaging homes. Diplomatic pressure builds ahead of critical Trump-Putin call.
Zelenskiy meets top U.S. officials in Rome, calling for “real diplomacy” and a full ceasefire.
In a chilling overnight assault, Russia launched its largest drone strike on Ukraine since the start of the invasion, just a day before a high-stakes call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. At least one civilian was killed and several others, including a child, were injured.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, a record-breaking 273 drones were fired across multiple regions, with the capital Kyiv facing widespread devastation. The Obukhiv area saw homes destroyed and families displaced as drones rained down in the early hours.
“I heard it flying right at me,” said Kyiv resident Natalia Piven, who survived the attack by hiding in a basement with her son. “It’s a nightmare we keep waking up to.”
The Ukrainian government condemned the strikes as a calculated effort by Moscow to terrorize civilians and apply pressure ahead of renewed diplomatic efforts.
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Zelenskiy Pushes Ceasefire Talks During Rome Meeting with U.S. Officials
As Kyiv reels from the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of Pope Leo’s inauguration in Rome. The discussions, described as “positive,” lasted around 40 minutes.
“I told them Ukraine is ready for real diplomacy,” Zelenskiy said, adding that he supports a full and unconditional ceasefire. He also met the new pope, signaling Ukraine’s push for global backing.
Trump-Putin Call Raises Hopes — and Tensions
All eyes are now on Monday, when President Trump will speak directly with President Putin in a conversation aimed at brokering peace. Trump, who claims he can end the war quickly, is under pressure from European leaders to adopt a strong stance against Russia.
Germany, France, the UK, and Poland will hold pre-call consultations with Trump. Sanctions are on the table if Russia refuses to cooperate, said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
“If Putin isn’t serious about peace, tougher sanctions are coming,” Bessent warned.
Peace Talks Face Major Hurdles
Despite a breakthrough prisoner swap involving 1,000 detainees each, a full ceasefire remains elusive. Russia’s latest demands — including halting Western arms to Ukraine, demilitarization, and territorial concessions — were dismissed by Kyiv as unacceptable.
“Those are not peace terms. They’re surrender terms,” said a member of Ukraine’s delegation.
Trump’s shifting position has rattled NATO allies. While he once supported arming Ukraine, his current stance appears closer to Russia’s, urging some to fear a deal at Ukraine’s expense.
Still, Zelenskiy remains committed to a peaceful resolution, saying:
“We do not fear negotiations. But peace must be built, not forced.”
