Ukraine war latest: Leaders back 'multinational force' to secure peace - after talks 'progress'

We're pausing our coverage Thanks for following our live coverage on another day that has seen a major diplomatic push to end the war in Ukraine - and potentially a significant shift in the mood music. Ukrainian and US officials wrapped up their two days of talks in Berlin, with both sides somewhat optimistic about the prospect of peace. Ukraine's top negotiator described talks with the US as being constructive and productive. Rustem Umerov added that "real progress" has been achieved, and he hoped to reach an agreement "that will bring us closer to peace by the end of the day". "The American team led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are working extremely constructively to help Ukraine find a way to a peace agreement that lasts," he wrote in a post on X. "The Ukrainian team is enormously grateful to President Trump and his team for all efforts they are putting in." Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations have been hard but important, and insisted "we are working around the clock" for peace. Security guarantees are essential for a deal, Zelenskyy reiterated, and he added that there are different positions when it comes to territory, but said Ukraine is ready to work for a strong peace deal.