US sees progress toward Ukraine peace talks after envoy visits

The United States expressed optimism on Monday for resuming tripartite peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and Washington, following weekend visits by American envoys to both warring nations. US envoy Steve Witkoff reported "substantial progress" toward organizing further talks, with President Donald Trump working to end the conflict. European representatives from France, Britain, and Germany joined negotiation cycles in Kiev on Sunday, where Ukrainian officials called the American proposals "effective." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he is preparing next steps, while the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitri Peskov did not rule out resuming the tripartite format, though he said it was too early to discuss specific dates or locations. Finland inaugurated a 200-kilometer fence along its border with Russia on Monday, aiming to deter Moscow from weaponizing migrants. The UN human rights office expressed horror over reports that a Russian autonomous drone killed three Ukrainians last month, with Ukraine also reportedly testing such weapons.