Two weeks after ascending the throne of Saint Peter, the first pope from the United States is being floated by world leaders for another pivotal role: peacemaker between Ukraine and Russia. The initiative to have the Vatican mediate talks between Moscow and Kyiv could be an early test for Pope Leo XIV,

Without waiting for Washington, the European Union and the U.K. announced a new raft of sanctions against Russia.

President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations. Trump spoke Monday after separate calls with the leaders of both countries meant to spur progress toward ending the three-year war.