Two people were killed in separate Russian drone attacks across Ukraine on Sunday, according to Ukrainian authorities, as diplomatic efforts to address the prolonged conflict intensified in Europe.

Officials said a 56-year-old minibus driver lost his life in the southern Zaporizhzhia region after a drone strike hit the area. Emergency responders confirmed the incident and reported damage caused by the attack.

In another strike, a 59-year-old man was killed in the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Regional authorities said drones and guided aerial bombs targeted two districts, injuring at least one other person and damaging local infrastructure.

The latest attacks came as Ukrainian President prepared to meet with the leaders of , and in London to discuss further support for Ukraine and ways to increase pressure on Moscow.

The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has continued to exact a heavy toll on both countries. Recent battlefield assessments indicate that Ukraine has regained more territory than it lost for two consecutive months, suggesting a shift in momentum in some areas of the front line.

Meanwhile, Russia has faced growing economic challenges linked to the conflict. Rising inflation, higher taxes, elevated borrowing costs, labour shortages and business closures have added pressure to the country’s economy.

On the diplomatic front, Zelensky recently proposed direct talks with Russian President and renewed calls for a comprehensive ceasefire.

Putin, however, dismissed claims that Russia’s economy was struggling, arguing during an economic forum on Friday that the country’s growth performance remains comparable to that of several Eurozone nations.

The conflict, now in its fifth year, continues despite repeated international efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement.