First and second, the beginnings of Reuters and Associated Press summaries, both with links, made available this afternoon EDT. (Readers may want to read the news services’ stories in light of Scott Ridder’s interview with The Grayzone, in yesterday’s entry.) Next, economist Michael Hudson deals with Andrei Raevsky’s questions about trade with Russia after that nation’s invasion of  Ukraine. — MCM

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Russia promises to scale down operations near Kyiv and north Ukraine, by Jonathan Spicer and Gleb Garanich | Reuters * Moscow’s pledge comes at peace talks with Ukraine * Kyiv proposes neutral status with guarantees * Russia’s invasion has been halted on most fronts * Traumatised Ukrainians scavenge in besieged cities | ISTANBUL/KYIV OUTSKIRTS/MARIUPOL, Ukraine — Russia promised today to scale down military operations around Ukraine’s capital and north, while Kyiv proposed adopting neutral status, in confidence-building steps that were the first signs of progress towards negotiating peace. Their talks took place in an Istanbul palace more than a month into the largest attack on a European nation since World War Two. Russia’s invasion has been halted on most fronts by stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces who have recaptured territory even as civilians are trapped in . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia says it will scale back near Kyiv as talks progress, by Neni Qena and Yuras Karmanau | The Associated Press KYIV, Ukraine — Russia announced today it will “fundamentally” scale back military operations near Ukraine’s capital and a northern city, as talks to end the grinding war brought the outlines of a possible deal into view. Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said the change on the battlefield was meant to increase trust at the talks after several rounds of negotiations failed to halt what has devolved into a bloody campaign of attrition. The announcement was met with skepticism from the U.S. and others. While Moscow portrayed it as a goodwill gesture, its ground troops . . . READ MORE . . .

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The Saker interviews Michael Hudson. By email, Andrei Raevsky, or The Saker, interviews economist Michael Hudson in hopes of having “the current world economic turmoil explained clearly and succinctly.” Readers can judge whether he succeeds. Descriptions of both follow their exchange. Raevsky’s first question: “Russia has declared that she will only sell gas to “hostile countries” for Rubles.  Which means that to non-hostile countries she will continue to sell in Dollars/Euros.  Can these hostile countries still purchase gas from Russia but via third countries?” READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED