• Russia launched nearly 150 drones and airstrikes across Ukraine, killing at least four people.
• Trump expressed skepticism about Putin's willingness to end the ongoing war.
• Ukrainian officials reported ongoing fighting despite Russia's claims of regained control in the Kursk region.
• Trump hinted at possible sanctions against Russia after his meeting with Zelensky at the Vatican.
• The U.S. Secretary of State indicated the urgency of evaluating ongoing mediation efforts in the conflict.

In a significant escalation, Russia launched a massive drone assault and airstrikes across Ukraine early Sunday, resulting in at least four fatalities, including three in Kostyantynivka and another in Pavlohrad, where a 14-year-old girl was also wounded. Local officials indicated that these attacks occurred after Russia had claimed to have regained control over areas of the Kursk region seized by Ukrainian forces last August, though fighting reportedly continues, according to SCMP, India Times, Al Jazeera, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.

In conjunction with the attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed doubt regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After previously stating that a peace deal was "very close," Trump's recent comments suggest a marked shift in tone, stating, "There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas" shortly after his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the Vatican, according to SCMP, India Times, Al Jazeera, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.

The recent drone attacks also align with Russia's attempts to communicate successes in regaining control over the Kursk region. However, Ukrainian officials have contested these claims, insisting that the situation on the ground remains active and marked by ongoing hostilities. In light of the developments, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the coming week would be crucial for reassessing the U.S. role in mediating peace talks between the two nations, emphasizing that "there is no military solution to this war," according to SCMP, India Times, Al Jazeera, Los Angeles Times, and India Times.