European leaders are urging private business and equity funds to not be afraid to invest in rebuilding Ukraine now even as Russia accelerates its war.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Pope Leo XIV and thanked him for the Vatican's efforts to help return children taken by Russia during the war.

Fourth conference on Ukraine reconstruction comes as Russia escalates attacks on country, amid doubts over US support.

Countries prepared to provide troops for a future stabilization force in Ukraine have agreed to set up a headquarters in Paris to facilitate a rapid deployment after the war ends.

Russia launched its largest drone and missile bombardment of Ukraine overnight into Wednesday, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Premier Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were opening the meeting Thursday, which gets under way as Russia accelerated its aerial and ground attacks against Ukraine, firing a record number of drones across 10 regions this week.

Donald Trump is likely to hold crucial talks with counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy on halting support of US weapons to Ukraine, amid an ongoing war with Russia.

Ukrainian officials say at least 8 people were killed in Russia's biggest drone and missile attack to date, as the Kremlin says it is "quite calm" about Trump's mounting criticism.