Ukraine faces mounting pressure as Russian strikes escalate as mineral deal talks loom in Washington

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Russia continues its air attacks on Ukraine despite U.S. efforts to hammer out a ceasefire.

Byeon Ye-young reports.

Twisted steel beams, shattered windows, and other mangled remains of residential blocks now scar the skyline of Kryvyi Rih after a Russian missile strike on April 4th killed at least 20 people, including children playing in a park.

Dozens were injured.

As Ukraine observed a day of mourning, Russia launched more missiles and drones at Kyiv on Sunday, killing one and wounding several others.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and criticized the U.S.'s tepid response to the attack on Kryvyi Rih, his hometown.

"Staying silent about the fact that it is Russia killing children with ballistic missiles is wrong and dangerous. It only emboldens Moscow to continue the war and keep ignoring diplomacy."

While Washington has yet to respond officially, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at a possible shift in policy.

Speaking in Brussels on Friday following a two-day NATO meeting, Rubio suggested that Washington's patience with Moscow is wearing thin and warned that Russia could soon face additional U.S. sanctions.

Amid the military crisis, Ukraine is preparing for talks in Washington next week on a new draft for a mineral deal.

According to The Associated Press, Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation, including officials from the Ministries of Economy, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Finance, will head to the U.S. next week.

The proposed agreement would give the U.S. access to critical resources such as rare earths, oil and gas.

European leaders are also pushing for tougher measures.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate ceasefire and "strong action" if Russia continues to stall.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb proposed April 20th, which marks both Easter and the three-month anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration, which marks both Easter and the three-month anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration, as a deadline for Russia to comply with ceasefire terms.

Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.