Ukraine Endures Largest Drone Assault as Putin-Trump Dialogue Looms**

Amid escalating conflict, Russia launched its most significant drone attack on Ukraine since the invasion commenced, targeting key regions including Kyiv, which resulted in casualties. The assault coincided with the anticipation of a strategic phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin aimed at negotiating a potential ceasefire. Despite international calls for peace, officials suggest Russia remains intent on continuing its military aggression, complicating diplomatic efforts.**

Ukraine has reported its largest drone assault to date by Russia, as hostilities escalate just before a crucial call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The attack, occurring Saturday night, marked a significant increase in aggression, targeting multiple regions, including Kyiv, where at least one fatality has been confirmed.

Ukraine's military disclosed that 273 drones were launched, with key areas including central Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Donetsk coming under fire. Although Ukrainian forces managed to intercept 88 drones, the strikes still led to injuries for several civilians, including a four-year-old child. This marks the most extensive drone strike since the invasion escalated in early 2022, surpassing a previous high of 267 drones on the third anniversary of the war.

The timing of the assault is notable, as it falls just a day before a scheduled conversation between Trump, who has been advocating for a ceasefire, and Putin. In light of ongoing discussions, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a virtual meeting involving leaders from the UK, France, and Poland to strategize ahead of the Trump-Putin dialogue.

Ukraine's intelligence has indicated potential plans by Russia to conduct a "training and combat" missile launch, further escalating fears of intimidation amidst the ongoing conflict. Despite hopes for progress from talks held in Turkey, which resulted in a new prisoner swap agreement, Ukraine's officials have voiced skepticism regarding Russia’s intentions to pursue peace.

Ukrainian officials argue that recent drone strikes demonstrate Russia's unwillingness to halt hostilities, despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire. They assert that negotiations appear to be a facade, suggesting Putin's desire for continued warfare. While Trump has expressed optimism about a possible ceasefire, Russia's conditions for halting military actions include demands for Ukraine to relinquish its NATO aspirations and demilitarize, points that have been flatly rejected by Kyiv.

As tensions rise, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Pope Leo at the Vatican to discuss current challenges, emphasizing the need for sanctions against Russia and the pursuit of lasting peace, regardless of the complex political landscape. Meanwhile, Moscow currently occupies around 20% of Ukraine's territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014, and the conflict continues to evolve with no clear resolution in sight.