Ukraine-Russia talks deadlocked — Kyiv reportedly prefers CIA chief Ratcliffe as mediator

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a "detailed and constructive" conversation with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, the New York Times reports that Kyiv believes CIA Director John Ratcliffe would be a more effective mediator in peace negotiations. Russia-Ukraine talks remain at a standstill.