In the most detailed Russian-based reporting to date on Putin's offer at the Alaska summit, Reuters was able to outline the contours of what the Kremlin would like to see in a possible peace deal.

NATO aircraft scrambled from Romania following a large-scale Russian attack on across Ukraine overnight, including in the Odesa region near Danube River border with allied nation.

Russia said Wednesday attempts to resolve security issues relating to Ukraine without Moscow's participation were a "road to nowhere," and that much diplomatic work needs to be done before Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are ever in the same room.

Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters.

NATO defense chiefs are holding a virtual meeting to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine as part of efforts to end Russia's war on its neighbor

Nahal Toosi is POLITICO’s senior foreign affairs correspondent. She has reported on war, genocide and political chaos in a career that has taken her around the world. Her reported column, Compass, delves into the decision-making of the global national security and foreign policy establishment — and the fallout that comes from it.

Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to “fight back” with a more offensive stance after Russia mounted one of the biggest aerial assaults since the start of the war. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s massive attack with 574 drones and 40 missiles – which also hit a US electronics manufacturer in west Ukraine – was a signal of Vladimir Putin’s “outrageous” intent.

As the front lines froze, and air defenses got better, Russia and Ukraine pivoted away from close bombing runs to standoff attacks.

Ukrainian drones have struck the Unecha oil pumping station in Russia's Bryansk region, according to reports. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has awarded North Korean troops who fought for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

Russia’s foreign minister has cast fresh doubt on peace talks, questioning “the legitimacy” of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to sign any future agreements after targetting a US factory in a large bombardment on Ukraine.