Two people were killed in a Russian drone attack on a home in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, local authorities report. The attack, which occurred just before new talks between Ukrainian and American negotiators in the US, also left two children, aged 11 and 15, injured.

Negotiations aimed at ending the conflict had been stalled due to the onset of new tensions concerning Iran. President Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to include discussions about the US's recent decision to relax sanctions on Russian oil, which was intended to help curb global energy prices.

Despite ongoing US mediation, efforts to halt hostilities in Ukraine have yet to yield any significant change in the dynamics of the conflict or Russia's demands. There remains scant hope for breakthroughs during these talks.

The agenda includes the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Russia and attempts to improve relations between President Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who has previously accused Zelensky of being a key obstacle to peace.

Ukraine is proposing to share its expertise and technology in drone warfare with the US, which could be advantageous in addressing threats posed by Iran.

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Zaporizhzhia has frequently been targeted by Russian forces. The region is one of four southeastern territories that Russia has annexed, yet none are under full Russian control.

Speaking with the BBC, Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's struggle with a missile shortage, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which he attributes to US and Israeli actions against Iran. He noted that President Putin aims to prolong the conflict by diverting US resources elsewhere.

Concerns have arisen in Ukraine regarding the Trump administration's decision to ease sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, a move seen as a symbolic shift away from previous western strategies aimed at applying maximum pressure on Russia.

The temporary US waiver will facilitate the purchase of Russian oil, further complicating the situation for Ukraine.