Conflict in Ukraine

The Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has ultimately failed to address the "fundamental moral and geopolitical questions" of Russia's multiyear war on Ukraine, said Metropolitan Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

Arriving in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV told reporters he hoped U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin can find a way to reach a ceasefire in Russia's war on Ukraine when they meet in Alaska.

Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his willingness to host representatives of Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican for peace negotiations.

Ukrainian Canadians feted Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s arrival in Canada in style with a large billboard near the Calgary International Airport proudly welcoming him to the G7 Summit.

Up to seven people were killed and up to 13 injured in a large-scale Russian drone attack on Kyiv and Odesa June 10, which also damaged the historic Holy Wisdom Cathedral, also known as St. Sophia Cathedral.

Pope Leo XIV and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held their first telephone conversation June 4 with the pope encouraging Putin to make a gesture to show he is serious about peace with Ukraine, the Vatican press office said.

Pope Leo XIV's offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine—an offer Russia has turned down—was motivated by a conviction that the two sides must start negotiating and stop the killing, the Vatican secretary of state said.

Russia has rejected the Vatican's offer to host talks for ending the war in Ukraine, despite international support for the idea.

Optimism abounds in the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy as it appears he could prove to be an important ally of Ukraine and its pursuit of a peace deal as its war with neighbouring Russia endures.

A move to hold talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican appeared to gain momentum May 19, following a call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.