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

Russia Nears Capture of Key Ukrainian Towns After Year of Grinding Assaults

Russia appears poised to capture three strategic areas in southern and eastern Ukraine, which would give Moscow an edge in U.S.-mediated peace talks.

The Ties That Bound a Fixture of British Politics to Jeffrey Epstein

For years Peter Mandelson, a senior British politician, concealed the depth of his friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, until new files were released.

Hamas Would Keep Some Arms Initially in Draft Gaza Plan, Officials Say

The United States is demanding that Hamas surrender all weapons that are capable of striking Israel, but will allow the group to keep some small arms, at least initially, according to a draft plan, officials and people familiar with the proposal said.

@nytimes