The Vatican has a long history of conflict mediation, with varying degrees of success. An effort by the pope to end the war in Ukraine would face long odds.

Russia said on Wednesday that its air defences had shot down at least 232 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions, including some approaching Moscow where the capital's airports were briefly shut down to ensure the safety of flights.

Vice President JD Vance said that the U.S. wants to see "outcomes" from Russia and Ukraine on peace talks, and isn't afraid to step aside from its involvement negotiating with both countries.

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov has said reviving the nation's birth rate is one of Russia's "top priorities."

Pope Leo XIV may have offered to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican, but neither the pope nor senior Vatican officials have spoken publicly about the possibility, leaving prospects for such talks uncertain.

Kyiv’s European allies have slapped new sanctions on Moscow, a day after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to produce a breakthrough on ending the 3-year-old war in Ukraine.

The crucial fight being slugged out between Russia, Ukraine and their allies is for the ear of US President Donald Trump, who seems increasingly frustrated with efforts to broker peace.

The European Union has now targeted Moscow’s fleet of covert oil tankers and plans more restrictions, as the Trump administration’s approach to the war shifts.

China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to the European Union's "unreasonable" sanctions on Chinese firms, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.