Ukraine talks, Nigeria kidnapping, Venezuela and Jim Henson

High-stakes peace talks begin in Geneva as questions mount over a US-proposed peace plan. The United States prepares a new phase of military operations against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. More than 300 children and staff are taken from a Catholic school in Nigeria. Japan tests barking drones to fight off bear attacks. Plus Jim Henson’s props and puppets go up for auction. On Assignment: Europe’s left gets tough on immigration Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here.  Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices.  You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices