Pope Leo stresses importance of European involvement in efforts to end war in Ukraine

Pontiff says Italy specifically could play role of mediator in talks between Russia, US and Ukraine

Pope Leo has stressed the importance of Europe’s involvement in US efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, while suggesting that Italy specifically could play the role of mediator.

Russia and the US failed to make progress towards a peace deal for Ukraine during talks on Tuesday, with Vladimir Putin accusing Europe of “preventing the US administration from achieving peace on Ukraine”.