Pope invites peace talks at the Vatican, according to Meloni in Ukraine war update

Pope Leo confirmed to Giorgia Meloni his willingness to host the Vatican for the next discussions aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Italian Prime Minister stated on Tuesday. “After receiving confirmation that the Holy Father is prepared to facilitate the next dialogue among Vatican parties, the Prime Minister expressed her heartfelt thanks to Pope Leo XIV for his unwavering dedication to peace,” Meloni’s remarks noted. Leo, elected two weeks ago, mentioned on May 14 that the Vatican could play a mediatory role in global conflicts, although he didn’t specifically reference Ukraine.

In another context, the Italian Prime Minister shared that she had engaged with various leaders. European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the upcoming steps.
“We’ve agreed to maintain close coordination among partners, considering the ceasefire in Ukraine and the negotiations for a new phase directed at peace agreements.”

Zelenskyy accused Russia of merely “trying to buy time” while continuing the conflict. This came after a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which lasted for two hours but yielded no substantial concessions from Moscow. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also criticized Putin, asserting that he “plays for time” and shows little genuine interest in achieving peace for Ukraine.

Regular assessments from the War Research Institute revealed on Tuesday that: Russia needs to acknowledge the legitimacy of Ukraine’s president, government, and sovereignty to engage in effective negotiations. “Putin must also consent to a ceasefire before any meaningful peace talks can commence. Currently, Russia is attempting to expand its list of demands when it should instead be preparing to make concessions.

On the European front, the EU initiated the 17th round of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, aimed at the “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, human rights violations, and hybrid threats. Ursula von der Leyen, the Chair of the European Commission, noted that preparations are already underway for the 18th package, featuring even more stringent measures. The UK government has also announced 100 new sanctions on Russia, targeting the military, energy, and financial sectors, along with those participating in the “Putin Information War on Ukraine.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that he anticipates Russia will soon outline broader terms for a ceasefire with Ukraine, placing the US in a position to determine Russia’s seriousness. “I expect that in the near future—possibly in a few days—Russia will present its conditions,” Rubio remarked during a Senate hearing.

At least one civilian was killed and 13 others were injured in a Russian attack the previous day throughout the region of Ukraine, as reported by local authorities on Tuesday. The ISW indicated that the Ukrainian army has recently advanced near Kursk Oblast, Borova, and Toretsk, while the Russian army recorded gains near Kursk Oblast and Chashiv Yar, Toretsk, and Novopibluka.

The Ukrainian military announced it has completed another assessment of the “Anne of Kiev” brigade that received training in France; the media has reported financial misconduct involving some commanders, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has urged the G7 to lower the Russian maritime oil price cap to $30 per barrel, suggesting a reduction from the current cap of $60. Ukraine is participating in G7 discussions in Canada this week.