UKRAINE AND RUSSIA EYE NEW PEACE TALKS AND MELANIA TRUMP MISSION BUT STEEP OBSTACLES REMAIN

What happened: Ukraine and Russia signaled willingness to resume U.S.-brokered peace talks and backed a humanitarian mission led by first lady Melania Trump, with a local ceasefire agreed for aid into a stranded town in Kherson. Key numbers: More than 4.5 years of fighting. Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine. Why it matters: Deep disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain, and within hours of Putin agreeing "in principle" to talks, Russia launched a deadly missile and drone barrage on Kyiv. Kyiv fears recent U.S. moves will embolden Putin. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

Ukraine and Russia signaled willingness to resume U.S.-brokered peace talks and backed a humanitarian mission led by first lady Melania Trump, with a local ceasefire agreed for aid into a stranded town in Kherson.

Deep disagreements over territory and security guarantees remain, and within hours of Putin agreeing "in principle" to talks, Russia launched a deadly missile and drone barrage on Kyiv. Kyiv fears recent U.S. moves will embolden Putin.