December 9, 08:11 AM • 21176 views12:00 PM • 16827 views12:00 PM • 16881 viewsDecember 8, 03:38 PM • 16372 viewsA potential end to the war in Ukraine could solidify the Kremlin's control over part of the occupied territories. This sets the stage for a potential meeting between Trump and Putin, while Ukraine's European allies express concern.
Donald Trump has asked Italy to organize a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Rome or the Vatican. Italy, as a party to the Rome Statute, is obliged to arrest Putin under the ICC warrant.
Pope Leo XIV met with Metropolitan Antony, head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate. During the meeting, issues of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and current conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, were discussed.
Pope Leo XIV will hold an audience with Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk on July 26. The meeting aims to resume dialogue after tensions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The United States announced unprecedented sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on July 11, four years after anti-government protests. The sanctions include visa restrictions for Díaz-Canel and other high-ranking officials for human rights violations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his readiness for a third meeting with Russia only if leaders participate. The desired format is negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the USA at the highest level.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the proposal for meetings in the Vatican to stop Russian aggression remains possible. Currently, only Moscow rejects this peace initiative.
President Zelenskyy discussed war and peace talks with Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican confirmed its readiness to host representatives of Ukraine and Russia for possible negotiations.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Castel Gandolfo for a six-week vacation, the first papal visit in 12 years. The 69-year-old pontiff plans to rest and prepare for the upcoming challenges of his pontificate.
The Vatican Museums unveiled the restored "Hall of Constantine," the last of four rooms painted by Raphael and his apprentices. During the 10-year project, a new technique was discovered: Raphael used oil paints on the wall for greater vibrancy.
The meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Trump in The Hague lasted about 50 minutes. The Ukrainian leader is satisfied with the discussion, covering all significant issues.
Al Pacino became the first film actor to be received by Pope Leo XIV. The audience took place in the Vatican as part of the presentation of the film Maserati: The Brothers.
Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office, Daria Zarivna, stated that the militarization of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia is a long-term threat to the整个世界. As part of Bring Kids Back UA, 1,359 children have been returned.
Pope Leo XIV announced the date of canonization of Carlo Acutis. The Italian teenager, who died of leukemia, will become the first saint of the new millennium.
Martin Jäger, the German ambassador to Ukraine, will become the new head of the BND. A reorganization of the service and an increase in funding are expected, which should speed up the collection of intelligence.
Andriy Yermak discussed with Cardinal Parolin the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia. The parties agreed on close cooperation in this humanitarian issue.
President Zelenskyy stated that Trump has all the tools to put pressure on Russia to end the war. He also expressed hope for normal, professional relations with Trump.
Russian media reported on a phone call between Putin and Pope Francis, during which the dictator expressed interest in a peaceful settlement, while accusing Ukraine of escalating the conflict and engaging in terrorism.
The Russian delegation stated that it has no authority regarding a ceasefire. Ukraine has proposed a temporary truce until the meeting of leaders in Istanbul, the Vatican, or Switzerland.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation stated that Istanbul remains a platform for negotiations with Ukraine. The issue of changing the meeting place is not currently being considered.
Ukraine welcomes Trump's possible participation in Zelenskyy's meeting with Putin. The meeting may take place in an expanded format.
Pope Leo XIV has strongly called for an end to the war in Ukraine, especially after the latest serious attacks. He stressed the need to "support every initiative for dialogue and peace."
The US President stated that he will assess Putin's actions in two weeks. He is disappointed by the Russian Federation's attacks on Ukrainian cities during negotiations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia did not agree on the participation of third parties in peace negotiations with Ukraine. According to Zakharova, the parties will exchange documents directly.
Mykhailo Podolyak stated that starting a genocidal war against Ukraine is madness. The goal of the bombings of cities is to exhaust air defense, forcing a choice between protecting civilians and military personnel.
Pope Leo XIV called for prayer for peace in Ukraine, which is suffering from the shelling of civilians. He confirmed his readiness to host peace talks at the Vatican.
Zelenskyy announced his readiness for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin in the Vatican, Switzerland, or another location. Ukraine is awaiting a memorandum from Russia regarding the terms of a ceasefire.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkey for its mediation and identified three realistic locations for negotiations with the Russian Federation. He rejected Russia's proposal regarding Belarus and awaits sanctions from the United States.
The Vatican has released a series of stamps with Leo XIV dedicated to key moments of his pontificate. The stamps depict various stages of the inauguration of the first American Pope.
Sergei Lavrov announced preparations for a new round of negotiations with Ukraine. Turkey has confirmed its readiness to organize a meeting between the delegations.
