Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed improved air defences and intensified sanctions against Russia with two U.S. lawmakers who are backing a bill to impose tougher punitive measures against Moscow.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky kicked off the proceedings in Rome as Moscow pounded Ukraine’s capital with another major missile and drone attack.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held "frank" discussions on Ukraine during Thursday's meeting, both sides said. The US criticised Moscow's lack of flexibility.

Latest news and live updates as Marco Rubio meet with Russian foreign minister amid tensions over Ukraine and Trump releases tariff letters to trading partners.

Germany and the US appear on the cusp of major policy changes, and Ukraine senses its opportunity to secure weapons.

Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv in the early hours of Thursday, marking a second consecutive night of ferocious attacks on the country, as Russia ramps up its bombardment more than three years into the war.

Zelensky accuses Russia of ‘pure terrorism’ after two killed in drone attack on Kyiv - At least 16 injured in Kyiv as Ukrainian capital faces relentless drone strikes

Europe’s human rights court found Moscow responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and abuses including transferring Ukrainian children to Russia.