Good evening. Here's the latest at the end of Wednesday.
Trump and Putin discussed ending the war in UkrainePresident Trump held a phone call today with Vladimir Putin that he described as "lengthy and highly productive." He characterized the conversation — the first confirmed talks between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House — as the beginning of a negotiation to end the war in Ukraine. The president had promised on the campaign trail that the war would end within "24 hours" of him taking office, and he has told advisers that resolving the conflict is a priority for his administration. For Putin, today's call marked the collapse of Western efforts to isolate him diplomatically after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, said he had his own call later with Trump about "charting our next steps to stop Russian aggression and ensure a lasting, reliable peace." However, the Ukrainians appear to have limited leverage. Earlier today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a NATO meeting that it was an "unrealistic" objective for Ukraine to restore its borders as they were before 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and backed a pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Hegseth also said that the U.S. does not support Ukraine's desire to join NATO as part of a realistic peace plan. In related news, the fiercest fighting of the war may now be in Russia, where Ukraine clings to a sliver of Kursk as a bargaining chip. The Times interviewed Russian soldiers near the front line.
Many grant recipients still have no funds and no answersAfter two courts ordered the Trump administration to end its freeze on more than $3 trillion in federal grants, some recipients regained access to the money they had been promised. They were the lucky ones. Many other funds — for school buses in Missouri, wildfire prevention in Montana, solar panels in Massachusetts — remain frozen. The administration has changed its rationale to align with the court rulings, saying it is now blocking specific projects rather than issuing a broad hold. But those details have not been communicated to the nonprofits that are counting on the funds. Republican lawmakers have mostly praised Trump's spending cuts, but some have quietly moved to seek exemptions for their constituents. Here's a look at the agencies where the cuts have affected workers.
Inflation increased more than expectedConsumer prices rose 3 percent in January compared with a year earlier, fueled in part by increases in food and energy prices. The rise in grocery prices was driven in large part by a nationwide egg shortage caused by an outbreak of bird flu. Restaurants are struggling with the cost. In related news, Trump promised to lower costs on "Day 1." But since taking office, his aides have adopted a more measured approach.
Scientists suggest that Ozempic can curb drinkingA research paper published today offered the strongest evidence to date that semaglutide — a substance in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy — can help reduce alcohol cravings. Many people had reported such an effect, but the new study offered the first randomized controlled trial on the subject. More top news
It's been a tumultuous awards seasonWe're about halfway between the announcement of Oscar nominations and the actual Academy Awards, and industry predictions have already changed several times. A controversy around old tweets hobbled the apparent front-runner, "Emilia Pérez," and "Anora" has re-emerged as a real contender for best picture. Our award season columnist Kyle Buchanan explains where the race stands, including an attempt by "Conclave" to win by accumulating second-place votes. For more: We talked to Sebastian Stan, whose portrayal of Trump in "The Apprentice" made him an unlikely nominee, as well as Gints Zilbalodis, whose wordless, animated cat movie is up for two Oscars.
Last-minute Valentine's Day gifts still countMy colleagues at Wirecutter know that a lot of people leave their Valentine's Day shopping until the final days before the holiday. So they put together a list of the best last-minute gifts. And as relationship experts told my colleague Jancee Dunn, it's really the thought that counts. Consider, for example, making breakfast for your partner, or a chocolate cheesecake. Maybe even pick out a movie that reminds you of why you love (or hate) the holiday. Your Valentine's Day read: We found out what happened to the iconic heart-shaped tubs when a Poconos hotel closed last year.
Dinner table topics
Cook: This easy chicken sheet-pan supper brings bold flavors with minimal fuss. Watch: "I Have Nothing" is a wacky and moving docu-comedy. Read: "Stone Yard Devotional" is an exquisite, wrenching novel about leaving your life behind. Listen: Check out some of Sly Stone's best hits. Take care: Experts offered advice for staying healthy while working a night shift. Prepare: Here's how to get ready for your digital afterlife. Garden: You may have seen one snake plant. You almost certainly haven't seen them all. Play: Here are today's Spelling Bee, Wordle and Mini Crossword. Find all of our games here.
Own a bit of fashion historyIris Apfel, the interior designer who became a late-in-life style icon, had a maximalist approach to art and fashion. She wore elaborate outfits and giant glasses, and she encouraged others to express themselves unabashedly. Now, a year after she died at 102, many of her devotees are flocking to her estate auction. The ongoing sale features huge bangle bracelets, chunky necklaces, a Dior couture coat with feathers and a life-size carved ostrich that doubled as a bar. Fern Mallis, the fashion industry stalwart who introduced the auction, described it as "a reflection of a woman who has lived a life full of bold choices." Have a stylish evening. Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. — Matthew Sean Kawasaki-Culligan was our photo editor today. We welcome your feedback. Write to us at evening@nytimes.com.
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