Russia said on Monday it was waiting for a signal from Ukraine regarding Kyiv's willingness to hold direct negotiations to end the war, but said it did not so far see any signs of movement. The Kremlin said last Friday that the possibility of direct talks between the two sides had been raised during a three-hour meeting between President Vladimir Putin and U.

The attacks came hours after Russia claimed to have regained control over the remaining parts of the Kursk region that Ukrainian forces seized in a surprise incursion in August 2024.

Donald Trump expressed mounting frustration with Russia over its continued attacks on Ukraine but asserted that a deal to end the war remained within reach. The US president on Sunday evening reiterated his criticism of Vladimir Putin over Moscow’s persistent air strikes on Ukraine,