... on Sunday - day 18 of the Russia-Ukraine war - we are getting the same distinct case of optimistic deja vu, as delegates from both sides of the Ukraine peace talks sounded positive ahead of more negotiations in the next few days. It remains to be seen if this is the start of a peaceful resolution to the war or just another false dawn.

According to the Guardian, Ukrainian negotiator and presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said talks had become more constructive.

"We will not concede in principle on any positions. Russia now understands this. Russia is already beginning to talk constructively. I think that we will achieve some results literally in a matter of days," he said in a video posted online.