Speculation abounds after a report suggested Putin could be ready to abandon plans to absorb Ukrainian regions.

To initiate peace talks, Ukraine insists on a complete ceasefire, while Russia, for the first time, allows the possibility of direct dialogue with Kyiv. At the same time, the United States advocates for freezing the conflict and believes that both sides should be prepared for territorial compromises.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A planned meeting Wednesday between top U.S., British, French and Ukrainian diplomats to push forward a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was scrapped at the last minute, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance saying negotiations are reaching a moment of truth.