Monday marks three years since Russia invaded Ukraine as tensions swirl around peace talks. Israel pauses hostage and prisoner transfers, saying Hamas is making a spectacle out them. Pope Francis remains in critical condition.

Hamas releases 6 hostages in latest swap; Bibas family confirms Shiri's remains have been returned; Pope Francis in critical condition; Russia says preparations underway for meeting between Putin and Trump.

Hamas returned the bodies of Israeli hostages; President Donald Trump suggests returning savings from DOGE; the White House will recognize Black History Month today; Pope Francis is

Zelenskyy calls for 'European army' as EU leaders bristle over US policies; Israel and Hamas complete latest exchange; Doctors order 'absolute rest' for Pope Francis; IRS will lay off thousands of workers.

Zelenskyy says his country wants security guarantees before peace talks; Hamas names 3 Israeli hostages set for release; Pope Francis hospitalized with respiratory tract infection; Couples gather in Paris to celebrate Valentine's Day.

A note about a jarring difference in the Mideast.

If they had any respect for people, they would have released him a long time ago.” Hamas’s hostage propaganda is blunt and transparently self-serving. And like all theatrical performances, it requires a certain suspension of disbelief.

Pope Francis remains in critical condition, though he is showing “slight improvement” in some laboratory results, according to the Vatican. On Tuesday morning, the Holy See Press Office reported that Francis slept well overnight despite his serious condition.

The 88-year-old pontiff remains in critical condition after spending eleven days in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs. View on euronews

The press office for the Vatican said Sunday that Pope Francis was able to rest overnight as he slowly recovers from double pneumonia after initially being hospitalized for bronchitis.

The pontiff, 88, has been hospitalized for a week and a half and is receiving treatment for a complex respiratory infection.

Since the deal was struck, there’s been a vibe shift in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is buoyed by the return of US President Donald Trump and under pressure from far-right members of his own cabinet to return to war. The Gaza ceasefire looks increasingly like it may end up being a fleeting interlude.