Trump expresses optimism on Ukraine deal, Rubio more realistic, House back to work on $150B defense hike, U.S. hit 800 Houthi targets in 45 days.

Zelensky used the funeral of Pope Francis to launch a diplomatic blitz to head off a U.S. proposal to end Russia’s war on Ukraine on terms favorable to Moscow.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. would consider in the coming week whether to continue mediating talks "or if it's time to sort of focus on some other issues."