Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed without evidence that Russian forces have taken control of Ukrainian cities Pokrovsk and Vovchansk.

As Steve Witkoff meets with Putin over a Ukraine deal, security assurances remain a sticking point. Ukraine has been offered them before, to little avail.

Putin also claimed that Zelensky’s European allies have pushed for demands that are “absolutely unacceptable."

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism after a high-level meeting between US officials and a Ukrainian delegation in Miami on Sunday, suggesting there was a “good chance” of a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Some parents say they’re longing for a semblance of normalcy. Others express hope for an end to the war in the country they fled, and for peace and security for relatives left behind.

The Irish government is expected to approve an extra €125m (£110m) in support for Ukraine in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning. It comes after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland for an official one-day visit.

Russia said on Monday that it had captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, in claims that Kyiv has yet to confirm or deny.

By Nicole Jao NEW YORK, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Oil prices declined 1% on Tuesday as markets weighed faltering Russia-Ukraine peace hopes against fears of oversupply. Brent crude futures settled 72 cents lower,