But considerable distance remains between the positions of Ukraine, Russia and America, as well as doubts about Mr Putin’s real intentions. For now his bombardments continue. The shape of the peace deal the three countries are working on is hard to pin down.

Trump is opening up 401(k) retirement plans to alternative assets, such as private equity and crypto, the White House has said.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to tighten federal grant approvals, with grant award decisions to now undergo evaluation by Trump's political appointees, the White House said.