### Zelenskyy Blames Kremlin for Civilian Deaths as European Leaders Prioritize Diplomacy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the Russian government for a deadly strike on a minibus that led to the loss of nine civilian lives. The vehicle was reportedly evacuating people from a town in the Sumy region, which has experienced recent Russian attacks. Zelenskyy emphasized on social media that the incident was a "deliberate killing of civilians," asserting that Russian forces were fully aware of the nature of the vehicle targeted.

Amid the tragic events, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to intervene in the ongoing conflict. Trump stated that he would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin and follow up with a call to Zelenskyy to bring an end to what he described as a "bloodbath" and halt the killing of thousands of soldiers weekly. In a social media post, Trump expressed his commitment to ending the war.

Meanwhile, European leaders remain adamant about avoiding the deployment of troops in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian officials underscored their position that current efforts should focus on achieving an unconditional ceasefire. "We are far from" discussing troop involvement, Merz stated, reaffirming Europe's dedication to diplomatic measures.

In a broader effort to end the conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the Vatican as a potential venue for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Rubio noted the Vatican's commitment to facilitating negotiations, a sentiment echoed by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who acknowledged the "positive role" of the United States in the peace process.

However, the path to peace remains complex. Russia's lead negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, warned of a potentially prolonged conflict, citing historical precedents. "We fought with Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?" Medinsky questioned, highlighting the Kremlin's readiness for an extended struggle.

In a show of international support, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed his nation's unwavering commitment to Ukraine during his first face-to-face meeting with Zelenskyy in Rome. Carney assured Zelenskyy of Canada's steadfast support, stressing that peace can only be achieved with Ukraine's full participation. The meeting took place during the inaugural mass of the newly elected Pope in the Vatican.