Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that he and leaders of Britain, France, and Poland would have a virtual meeting with Trump before his conversation with Putin on Monday morning. The meeting is expected to align Western positions ahead of any direct engagement with Russia, amid escalating concerns over Moscow’s military activities in Ukraine.
Record Drone Assault on Ukraine
On Sunday, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia had launched a record number of drones, including Shahed attack drones, of which 88 were intercepted and another 128 went astray “without negative consequences”. The surge in drone activity comes amid growing fears that Moscow is ramping up pressure along the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where intense fighting has continued for weeks.
The strikes killed one person on the outskirts of Kyiv, and injured at least three others, officials reported. Emergency services responded swiftly to the impacted areas, and authorities are continuing damage assessments. Civilian infrastructure has been increasingly targeted in recent weeks, drawing international condemnation.
The previous largest drone attack from Russia had taken place on the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion on 23 February, when Moscow launched 267 drones. That attack was widely viewed as a demonstration of Russia’s continued offensive capabilities and disregard for diplomatic resolutions.
Ukraine: Russia Has No Intention to Stop
Ukraine officials said Saturday night’s strikes showed Russia had no intention of stopping the war, despite international pressure for a ceasefire. The timing of the attacks, coinciding with diplomatic efforts, was perceived as a message from Moscow rejecting de-escalation.
“For Russia, the negotiations [on Friday] in Istanbul are just a pretence. Putin wants war,” said Andriy Yermak, a top aide to the Ukrainian president. He emphasized the importance of continued Western support and unity.
Volodymyr Zelensky was at the Vatican on Sunday where he had a private meeting with Pope Leo following the new pontiff’s inauguration mass. He also briefly met US Vice President JD Vance in Rome.
