In Russia, there's hope the growing diplomatic momentum will result in an agreement to end the war. President Vladimir Putin is reportedly offering to leave Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions, which Russia is currently occupying.

Moscow

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

A growing sense of optimism is emerging in Russia as diplomatic discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US representatives, including Donald Trump, signal potential progress toward peace in the conflict with Ukraine. Putin has reportedly offered concessions, including the possible withdrawal from certain Ukrainian regions and a freeze on the front line, in exchange for Ukrainian withdrawal from eastern territories, recognition of Crimea, partial lifting of sanctions, and a guarantee against Ukraine joining NATO.

International reactions have been mixed, with European leaders expressing concerns over the feasibility of Putin's conditions and China advocating for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement. The US has suggested possible security guarantees for Ukraine outside of NATO, aiming to reassure European allies. Many in Russia, including former combatants, express hope that these diplomatic efforts could finally bring an end to the prolonged and deadly conflict.

Optimism grows in Russia as diplomatic efforts raise hopes for peace

63-year-old Dmitry lives a retired life in his farmhouse outside Moscow. He wasn't a soldier, but volunteered to fight with Russia's paramilitary group Wagner, spending more than two years on the Ukrainian front. He doesn't like to be called a mercenary, but is proud to show off his military gear. Yet, he doesn't miss the trenches. And his president's meeting in Alaska has been encouraging, he says. We hope that they will be able to end this bloody war and bring everyone home. It is a shame that there are so many victims of this war. Any war is terrible, but when it is for the truth, it is necessary. His government insists the war is necessary and an existential threat. After explaining that to Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin has briefed his cabinet and international allies. The foreign ministry says after years of Russia's so-called isolation, a red carpet welcome in the US plunged Europe into frenzy, leaving it scrambling for a seat at the table. We would like to move on to resolving all issues by peaceful means. The conversation was very frank and informative, and in my opinion this brings us closer to the necessary decisions. Putin's demands for ending the war have not changed. Reports suggest he is offering to give up parts of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions and freeze the front line in Kherson and Zaporizhia. And in return, he wants Ukrainian withdrawal from the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In addition to recognition of Crimea, he is seeking a partial lifting of sanctions. Putin wants Ukraine's accession to NATO to be ruled out forever. While European leaders explained to Donald Trump how those conditions are unrealistic and the need for a ceasefire, China has also put its weight behind a full peace agreement, not a temporary fix. I hope that all the parties and stakeholders can participate in the peace negotiation process in a timely manner and reach a fair, lasting, binding peace agreement that is acceptable to all parties. NATO's original purpose was to keep the Russians out and the Americans in Europe. But the increasing fear with the Trump White House is that America could become indifferent to Europe's long-term strategic goals. And that's why assurances from Donald Trump seem crucial. His special envoy says the US and European countries could offer Article 5-like security guarantees for Ukraine outside of NATO as part of a peace deal, which means an attack on Ukraine will be seen as an attack on NATO. He understands that it is for the Ukrainians to decide how they might land swap, how they might make a deal with the Russians on different territories there. A long-term peace agreement could bring an end to a war that's killed hundreds of thousands of people. And soldiers like Dmitry hope coming generations will not have to return to the trenches.

European leaders who converged on the White House for talks on the Russia-Ukraine war demonstrated a united front regarding Ukraine's security on Monday, underscoring the issue as pivotal for the entire continent, not just Ukraine.

Washington

EU leaders show cautious optimism following Zelenskyy, Trump talks

As Hamas reportedly agreed to some ceasefire terms that would include the return of more hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered troops to take more of Gaza.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Israel digs in on Gaza takeover as Hamas softens on ceasefire

President Donald Trump said that the United States would help Europe in providing security for Ukraine as part of any deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Trump tells Zelenskyy U.S. would help with security in a peace deal

Bolivia's presidential vote headed to an unprecedented runoff after elections Sunday that ended more than two decades of left-wing dominance in the Andean nation but signaled voters' trepidation about a major lurch to the right.

La Paz

Bolivia heads to runoff after historic defeat for the left

All Air Canada planes were grounded on Monday (August 18) after its 10,000 flight attendants refused a return-to-work mandate from the Canadian government.

Toronto

Air Canada delays plans to resume operations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House Monday (August 18) for his meeting with President Donald Trump and other European leaders about Russia's war in Ukraine. CBS News White House reporter Taurean Small has more.

Trump meeting with Zelenskiy, European leaders at White House

Hamas on Monday informed mediators that it had accepted a ceasefire deal proposal submitted to it the day before, according to international and Israeli outlets.

Reports: Hamas accepts latest Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hurricane Erin will bring dangerously rough surf to parts of the U.S. East Coast. Over the weekend, Erin's outer bands lashed Puerto Rico with up to 7 inches of rain and flooding parts of the island.

East Coast of the United States

Erin expected to bring dangerous conditions to U.S. East Coast

Ahead of his Monday meeting with President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelenksyy says his country will not give up any territory to Russia, even as the White House insists potential land swaps will be necessary. Willie James Inman reports.

Kyiv

Ahead of Trump meeting, Zelenskyy says won't give territory to Russia

Thousands of Israeli protesters demanded a deal to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas in one of the biggest demonstrations since the war in Gaza began. Debora Patta reports.

Thousands of Israelis protest in Gaza, call for end to fighting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flies to Washington on Monday under heavy U.S. pressure to agree to a swift end to Russia's war in his country, but determined to defend Kyiv's interests — without sparking a second Oval Office dust-up with Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy, European allies to meet with Trump to discuss peace

European leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine ahead of a Washington summit with U.S President Donald Trump. They emphasized unity, territorial integrity and security guarantees as essential to any peace deal.

Paris

European leaders stress unity with Ukraine ahead of peace talks

International condemnation and pressure from allies have done nothing to stop Israel's plan to displace the people of northern Gaza. Israel on Saturday (August 16) said it is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to southern Gaza.

Israeli military prepares to move Palestinians to southern Gaza

Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday in a nationwide strike amid fears further fighting could endanger the 50 hostages believed to still be in Gaza.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Dozens of Israelis arrested in protest to demand end to Gaza war

Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities firing hundreds of missiles and projectiles daily despite ongoing peace efforts, led by the United States. Ukrainian officials say their unwillingness to dial back their offensive reflects their lack of sincere interest in peace.

Five killed as Russia continues to pummel Ukrainian cities

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Ukraine should make a deal to end the war with Russia because "Russia is a very big power, and they're not," after a summit where Vladimir Putin was reported to have demanded more Ukrainian land.

Anchorage

Trump told Zelenskiy that Putin wants more of Ukraine, source says

Efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw the state's congressional maps got new pushback from protesters at rallies across the country Saturday. Nearly 280 events took place in 34 states, according to organizers.

"Fight the Trump Takeover" protests held across U.S.

West Virginia's governor says he will send up to 400 National Guard troops to the nation's capital at President Trump's request. They'll join other National Guard troops and federal agents already deployed with local police on the streets of Washington, D.C.

More troops arrive in D.C. at Trump's request

President Trump reversed course Saturday, saying he is no longer seeking an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine, but now agrees with Russian President Vladimir Putin that pursuing a peace deal is the best way to end the war.

Trump sides with Putin, preferring peace over ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin described his meeting with President Trump as "frank, substantive and bringing us closer to making the necessary decisions." But the Alaska summit couldn't have been more far removed from the battlefields of Ukraine.

War-weary Ukrainians desperate for a ceasefire

In Ukraine, many do not believe Russia's president Vladimir Putin actually wants a ceasefire deal. They say Trump should stop making concessions to the Kremlin and for U.S President Donald Trump to demand an end to Russia aggression.

Ukrainians sceptical of Vladimir Putin’s intention

Being a Category 1 hurricane, Erin underwent a 'rapid intensification' which helped the storm to grow and strengthen to a powerful Category 5. Hurricane Erin won't make a direct hit on the U.S., but it will produce dangerous surf conditions for the entire East Coast.

San Juan

Hurricane Erin 'rapidly intensifies' to a Category 5

The Washington, D.C., police chief will remain in command of the local force following a settlement with the Trump administration over the federal takeover, but they are required to cooperate with the White House's immigration policy.

D.C. police retain some control after deal with Justice Department

The Atlantic Ocean's first hurricane of the season, Erin, has continued to gain strength and currently sits off the coast of Anguilla.

Hurricane Erin strengthens in the Atlantic

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Friday in Alaska to discuss the war in Ukraine. The leaders did not announce a peace deal, but Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday.

Trump, Putin meeting in Alaska ends without a ceasefire deal

Talks between the U.S. President and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded without an agreement on ending the war in Ukraine, despite being widely anticipated as a possible turning point.

Zelenskyy set to meet U.S. president Monday after no ceasefire deal

For the first time in a decade, Vladimir Putin was on U.S. soil for a much-anticipated meeting with Donald Trump. The U.S. and Russian presidents were supposed to discuss a deal to put an end to Moscow’s war against Ukraine, but they did not mention a ceasefire after the talks.

Trump, Putin wrap up talks with no mention of ceasefire

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska for a high-stakes summit over ending the war in Ukraine. Nancy Cordes and Margaret Brennan have coverage and analysis.

What we know about the high-stakes summit between Trump and Putin

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin have arrived in Alaska ahead of their high stakes talks on Ukraine. The expected one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin has expanded to include U.S. officials Steve Witkoff and Marco Rubio and other Russian officials.

Trump, Putin arrive in Alaska for historic summit

Israel's far-right finance minister approved the construction of a controversial new settlement in the West Bank, saying it "finally buries the idea of a Palestinian state." But it's unclear if this move will actually go through. Rights groups swiftly condemned the plan.

Optimism grows in Russia as diplomatic efforts raise hopes for peace

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Ukraine Invasion