Zelensky aims to engage in discussions with Trump and European leaders concerning the sluggish advancement of peace negotiations with Russia.

In a shocking turn of events, more than 50 people were wounded and at least 23 lost their lives in a major Russian missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. The youngest victim was a 2-year-old girl, and some bodies have yet to be identified, authorities said. Eight people remain unaccounted for.

Rescue workers pulled 17 people from the rubble after the attack, among them four children. The death toll, including four children, rose to 23, as officials confirmed on Friday. The United States has warned Russia to move toward peace and meet with Ukraine or face possible sanctions at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet European leaders, including Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, in the coming weeks. Fico is planned to visit China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and then return to Europe, likely in early September 2025.

Zelensky has expressed his desire to meet with US President Donald Trump and discuss the three-year war with Russia. However, the US has yet to announce any decisions on this matter, with Trump stating he expects to decide on next steps in two weeks if direct talks with Russia aren't scheduled.

In a bid to escalate diplomatic efforts, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, met with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York to discuss preparations for upcoming meetings. Yermak briefed Witkoff on Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine and lamented Putin's lack of engagement in peace efforts despite a recent meeting with Trump.

Ukraine has accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, but Moscow has raised objections. Zelensky has accused Russia of dragging out negotiations and putting off a Russia-Ukraine summit with the argument that the groundwork for a possible peace settlement must be thrashed out first by lower officials before leaders meet.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow's long-held position that Putin "doesn't rule out" meeting Zelensky, but only after progress is made "at the expert level." Yermak stated that Ukraine supports Trump's firm resolve for a lasting peace and welcomes all peace initiatives put forward by the United States.

In response to Russia's continued aerial attacks on civilian areas, Zelensky expressed frustration with Russia's lack of constructive engagement in the peace process. US minister-counselor John Kelley demanded that Russia stop its attacks and called the strikes "doubtful of Russia's seriousness for peace."

In a show of solidarity, authorities in the Kyiv region declared Friday an official day of mourning. Flags flew at half-staff and all entertainment events were canceled. Zelensky also urged swift secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia and thereby support its war economy.

Amidst the tragedy and diplomatic tension, Zelensky has emphasized the importance of possible postwar security guarantees being assessed by Western countries to deter another Russian invasion in the future. He has proposed that these guarantees include a secure supply of weapons for Ukraine, either through domestic production or Western provision, and US weapons paid for by Europe.

Zelensky aims to engage in discussions with Trump and European leaders concerning the sluggish advancement of peace negotiations with Russia.