Here are some of the stories we are covering from around the world:

Russia and Ukraine Agree to Prisoner Swap in First Direct Talks in Years

After days of confusion and theatrics, direct peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators took place on Friday in Istanbul for the first time since the start of the war, resulting in an agreement to conduct what would be the largest prisoner swap of the conflict.

‘Knives Are Out’ in South Sudan as Vice President Is Held in Detention

After years of gradual progress toward stability, a succession battle is pushing the world's youngest country to the precipice of another full-blown civil war.

Fighting India Helps Revive the Pakistani Military’s Popularity

As Pakistan declares victory in its most expansive military clash with India in more than 50 years, confidence in the troubled country’s state institutions is re-emerging, at least for now.

@nytimes