Pope Appeals for Oleshky Cease-Fire Amidst Russian Attacks and Starlink Disruptions

Pope Leo XIV has directly appealed to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin for a cease-fire in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky. The city is currently home to approximately 2,000 individuals trapped by mines and drones, facing dire risks of starvation. This humanitarian plea comes as Ukraine continues its offensive operations, pushing back Russian forces in the Donbas region, with Starlink satellite internet playing a crucial role in its operations.

However, Ukrainian optimism is reportedly dampened by a souring relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has publicly criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, calling him "more difficult to work with than Putin" and labeling recent Ukrainian strikes a "disgrace." He has also denied limiting Ukraine's access to the Starlink network, though reports suggest speed curbs have impacted Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Russia has retaliated against EU support for Ukraine by seizing assets of four European firms, citing EU involvement in "direct battlefield hostilities."