Russia fired 273 exploding drones at multiple regions of Ukraine after President Donald Trump announced he would be speaking with Vladimir Putin on Monday.

Putin thanked Trump for supporting the resumption of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv, and said that Trump noted Russia's support for peace, though the key question was how to move towards peace.

Merz said he had discussed the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio while the two men were attending the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.