RFE/RL's Live Briefinggives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western military aid to Kyiv, worldwide reaction, and the plight of civilians and refugees. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, clickhere.

Latest Developments At A Glance

• The United States and Russia are meeting in Saudi Arabia forhigh-stakes talksabout ending the war in Ukraine and broader tensions between Washington and Moscow that could shape the security situation in Europe for years to come.
• Ukrainewill not participate in the talksin Saudi Arabia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Abu Dhabi, which he was visiting as part of a Middle East tour that also includes Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
• Following anemergency summitin Paris, European leaders expressed willingness to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, but they warned that the level of such assurances would be based on Washingtons participation in the event of a comprehensive peace agreement.
• Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has claimed that Ukrainian authorities areplanning to hold presidential electionsby the end of this year.
• U.S. President Donald Trump insisted thatZelenskyywill be involved in any peace negotiations to end the Russian war, while he also stated that he could meet very soon with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
• Zelenskyy has called for thecreation of a unified European military force, saying the continent must be self-reliant amid a persistent threat from Russia and uncertainty about U.S. support -- a situation he described as "this new reality."

How Will USAID Cuts Affect Ukraine?

The abrupt suspension of USAID funding is leaving some Ukrainian charities struggling to cope as their financial lifeline is being severed. Read the story by Ray Furlonghere.

Ukraine Needs U.S. Weapons. Trump Wants Its Rare Earth Minerals. What Gives?

The latest twist in U.S. President Donald Trumps maneuvering to bring Russias war on Ukraine to an end? No more U.S. for Kyiv unless on it gives U.S. more access to its rare earth minerals. What exactly is a rare earth mineral and why does Trump want it? Read the report by Mike Eckel and Wojtek Grojechere.

Can Kyiv Convince Ukrainian Refugees To Come Back Home?

As Ukraine faces a critical labor shortage amid its ongoing war with Russia, the government is urging millions of refugees abroad to return and help rebuild the nation. New unity hubs in Europe aim to reconnect Ukrainians with their homeland -- but will they be enough to persuade those who have started new lives elsewhere? Read the story by Vasyl Arovychhere.

Could Trump Cut A Deal With Putin And Leave Ukraine In The Cold?

U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to end the war in Ukraine as quickly as possible, but his desire for peace raises the possibility of striking a deal that leaves Kyiv out in the cold. Read the report by Reid Standish and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Servicehere.

North Korean Troops Vanish From Ukraine Wars Front Lines, Officials Say

North Korean troops have not been seen on the front lines in Ukraine for weeks now, Ukrainian and U.S. officials say. After taking big losses, its unclear if theyre retreating for good or just temporarily rotating out. Read the report by Mike Eckelhere.

China Supplying Key Chemicals For Russian Missiles, RFE/RL Investigation Finds

An investigation by RFE/RLs Schemes has found that companies at least partially owned by the Chinese state are feeding critical minerals to Russian suppliers to manufacturers of weapons the Kremlin has used to pummel Ukraine since its all-out invasion nearly three years ago. Read the report by Kyrylo Ovsyaniy, Anna Myroniuk, Schemes and Carl Schreckhere.

As Putin Spends Billions On War, Russians Struggle To Afford Homes

Soaring interest rates and sharp subsidy cuts have brought a once-thriving mortgage market to a halt, putting homeownership out of reach for many Russians. Sky-high mortgage rates may rise further this year, and massive spending on the war against Ukraine means relief may be far away. Read the report by Todd Princehere.

Why Are European Troops For Ukraine A Nonstarter?

Donald Trump's inauguration is focusing minds on a future peace plan for Ukraine, with much talk of European armies providing a military mission. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a particularly strong advocate of boots on the ground -- but there are considerable obstacles. Read Ray Furlong's analysishere.

Why Do Ukrainians Oppose Lowering The Conscription Age?

A Ukrainian mother told RFE/RL that she has sent her teenage sons abroad so that they can avoid military service when they came of age -- and shes not alone. Suggestions by senior U.S. politicians that Ukraine lower the conscription age from 25 to18 are deeply unpopular. Read the report by Ray Furlong, RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, and Current Timehere.

What A Ukraine Peace Plan Could Look Like

In European capitals, behind closed doors, diplomats and leaders are spit-balling what a Ukrainian peace plan might actually look like. European peacekeeping troops are one option (dont expect much enthusiasm from Moscow). Read the article by Mike Eckelhere.

Ukraine Territorial Control (Updated weekly)

Interactive: Occupied, Militarized Crimea

As Ukrainian leaders vow to reclaim all territories seized by Russia, Moscow has prepared extensive defensive measures, particularly in Crimea, a region unlawfully annexed in 2014. This area, now under Russian occupation, has been heavily militarized with an array of air bases and army bases, making it one of the most fortified zones in the war. View the interactive map by Crimea.Realities, Schemes, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, and Central Newsroomhere.