Vatican City
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.
Ukraine has prepared a memorandum on peace and handed it over to the United States. Russia has not yet provided its part. The next round of negotiations may take place in Geneva after studying both documents.
Friedrich Merz stated that the West's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine have been unsuccessful. He emphasized that Europe should prepare for long-term support for Ukraine.
Andriy Sybiha stated that Ukraine aims to achieve peace in 2025 and needs increased pressure on Russia with the support of the United States. Kyiv does not recognize the occupation of territories and is ready for negotiations with the participation of Europe.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Edi Rama to participate in the summit. The head of the Ukrainian state reported on Russian shelling and stressed the need to put pressure on the Russian Federation.
It will become known in the near future whether the US will change its policy towards Russia. Russian air strikes prove that it is not ready for a ceasefire, said the Latvian Ambassador to NATO.
Kyiv is waiting for Moscow's proposals for a ceasefire and will share its own. Ukraine hopes that the negotiations will move off the ground in the near future.
Friedrich Merz announced the lifting of restrictions on the range of strikes by Western weapons on Russian territory. Ukraine can attack military positions in Russia for self-defense.