US distrust of Putin rising

 At least 18 people were killed in Russia’s latest missile and drone attack on Kyiv, including a 60-year-old Azerbaijani national, Ramiz Zakiyev. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry confirmed that windows were shattered and cracks appeared on the roof of its embassy’s consular section, though no staff were injured.

In the United States, skepticism is mounting over President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to abide by a potential ceasefire deal in Ukraine. A Quinnipiac University poll showed 76% of American voters do not trust Putin to honor such an agreement. The figure was highest among Democrats at 91%, but also significant among independents (77%) and Republicans (62%).

The same poll found that 59% of Americans doubt Donald Trump can secure a peace deal with Moscow. Trump’s approval rating stands at 37%, with 55% disapproving of his performance.