The Economist

Hello, you're listening to the free edition of the world in brief from The Economist.

As a reminder, if you subscribe to The Economist, you'll get access to a deeper look at the day ahead, updated three times a day.

If you're already an economist subscriber, visit

economist.com slash espresso or visit our espresso app to start listening. Here's today's

free edition.

This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories, Steve Wickoff, America's envoy to Russia, met Vladimir Putin in Moscow as part of a renewed push to end the war in Ukraine. It was their fourth meeting.

Donald Trump called the coming days, quote, very important for peace efforts. Ukrainian and

European leaders oppose elements of America's plan, which they argue would legitimize Russia's

territorial gains.

Cash Patel, America's FBI director, said in a social media post that the agency arrested a county judge in Wisconsin.

The post was deleted, but federal law enforcement officials confirmed that Hannah Duggan, the judge, was in custody.

She is accused of obstructing immigration officials' attempt to arrest an illegal migrant who was appearing in her courtroom in a separate case.

China said that some American imports would be exempt from its 125% tariffs and asked businesses

to submit lists of essential American goods.

Earlier, Mr. Trump insisted that the two countries were engaged in trade talks, despite

China's denial that any such negotiations

were taking place. Chinese officials have demanded that America, quote, cancel all unilateral

tariff measures before beginning discussions. The Trump administration reversed its cancellation of around 1,500 student visas.

Citing a decades-old immigration law, the government had attempted to deport students for

infractions as minor as speeding tickets. Some were targeted for allegedly participating

...