The U.S. is awaiting a proposal from Vladimir Putin that may lead to a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Secretary Marco Rubio announced Tuesday.

Zelenskyy accused Russia of stalling negotiations to prolong the war and occupation, urging tougher sanctions. He emphasized the need for realistic proposals for peace talks, while reaffirming Ukraine's readiness for effective negotiation formats.

The Kremlin has withstood pressure for an immediate cease-fire as a precondition for peace talks, but the Russian president’s push for normalizing relations with the United States appears in limbo.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy met US and European leaders in Rome ahead of a key Trump-Putin call, pushing for a "full and unconditional ceasefire" and using his Rome visit to strengthen diplomacy.

A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy could take place if the two sides come to certain agreements, the Kremlin said.

Vladimir Putin unleashed a drone on a civilian bus in the region of Sumy hours after the end of the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early weeks of the war. Nine people were killed and four others wounded in the northeastern city of Bilopillia,