<h1>Diplomatic push for near-term security guarantees and possible leader talks amid ongoing attacks and legal responsibility questions</h1> A U.S. presidential special envoy told Ukrainian officials diplomatic efforts are underway to secure near-term security guarantees to prevent future invasions, while the U.S. president has initiated plans for direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian heads of state though Moscow signals little appetite for a summit. Allied states pledged substantial military and financial aid and discussed contingency measures if the adversary continues hostilities. Hostilities, including drone strikes and long-range attacks, persist. The situation raises legal issues concerning state responsibility for aggression, obligations under international humanitarian law, treaty and security-assurance negotiations, and enforcement or monitoring mechanisms for any prospective settlement.