KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces destroyed a theater in Mariupol where hundreds of people were sheltering Wednesday and rained fire on other cities, Ukrainian authorities said, even as the two sides projected optimism over efforts to negotiate an end to the fighting. The airstrike...

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the operation in Ukraine is unfolding “successfully, in strict accordance with pre-approved plans” and decried Western sanctions against Russia, describing them as “aggression and war with economic, political, information means.”...

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said a “business-like spirit” is emerging at talks with Ukraine that are now focused on a neutral status for the war-torn country. “A neutral status is being seriously discussed in connection with security guarantees,”...

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces pounded Ukrainian cities early Tuesday in a bombardment that was deepening the humanitarian crisis as the countries kept open a narrow diplomatic channel with more planned talks. Shortly before dawn, large explosions thundered across Kyiv. A series of...