Pope Leo XIV. has Russia War against Ukraine sharply criticized. “Ukraine is also being hit by ongoing attacks these days, leaving entire population groups exposed to the winter cold,” he said on Sunday during midday prayers in St. Peter’s Square.
“The continuation of hostilities, with their increasingly serious consequences for the civilian population, deepens the gap between peoples and makes a just and lasting peace more distant,” warned Leo. He is following the events with great sadness and is thinking and praying for those who are suffering. “I call on everyone to further intensify their efforts to end this war.”
The Pope expressly called for prayers for peace for Ukraine, the Middle East and all regions “where unfortunately people are fighting for interests that are not those of the people,” said Leo. “Peace is built through respect for peoples!” emphasized the Pope in front of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square. (that)
Witkoff: Direct discussions should continue
According to US information, there will be more in the coming week Talks to end the war in Ukraine planned in the United Arab Emirates. Regarding the trilateral talks between Kiev, Moscow and Washington held last Friday and Saturday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff wrote on Platform X that they were “very constructive”. Plans have been made to “continue discussions next week in Abu Dhabi.”
The negotiations are about finding a way to end the war of aggression against Ukraine ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in February 2022. In order to end the violence, Russia is demanding that Ukraine cede territory and forego NATO membership and a powerful army. Above all, Ukraine has rejected a further withdrawal from areas not yet occupied by the Russian military. As a mediator, the USA wants to persuade both sides to compromise. (dpa)
Zelenskyj describes talks as constructive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj praised the trilateral negotiations on Saturday evening as constructive. Zelensky said on Saturday that discussions had been held about possible parameters for an end to the war. In Abu Dhabi, representatives of the government of US President Donald Trump negotiated simultaneously with negotiators from Ukraine and Russia for the first time.
All those involved have agreed to report to their capitals on every aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further action with their respective heads of state, Zelenskyj wrote on the Telegram platform. The military representatives also identified topics for a possible next meeting, which could take place as early as next week. The Ukrainian president said there was consensus that the US must monitor and control the process to end the war and ensure real security.
The US confirmed that its mediator Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich took part in the talks. The Ukrainian team included Defense Council Chief Rustem Umerov, Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov and Presidential Office Chief Kyrylo Budanov. According to the Kremlin, the Russian delegation was led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov. (ap)