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.

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.

The remains of four Israeli hostages will be turned over in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners whose release had been delayed.

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

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.

With the first phase of the truce set to expire Saturday, Israel and Hamas appear far from reaching an agreement to proceed to the second, decisive phase.