Nine people have been killed after a Russian drone hit a bus transporting workers in Ukraine. The attack occurred on Wednesday morning in the south-central city of Marhanets. Serhiy Lysak, regional chief of Dnipropetrovsk, said at least 30 people were injured, adding that "the number of victims is constantly growing".

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday Ukraine was ready for talks with Russia "in any format" once a ceasefire is set, while the Financial Times reported President Vladimir Putin had offered to halt Russia's invasion at the current front lines.

Vice President JD Vance said the US has issued a “very explicit proposal” to Russia and Ukraine on a path forward to a peace deal, adding “it’s time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process.

An unusual public back-and-forth suggested that both sides in the war were eager to at least appear interested in negotiations.