**Pope Francis Calls for Global Ceasefire on Christmas**
The Pope has asked world leaders to bring about a ceasefire in all conflicts by Christmas. This includes Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is entering its third year.
**”A fragile flower”**
Pope Francis made the appeal during his Sunday prayer on December 8. He also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican in October. The Pope gave Zelensky a gift that read: “Peace is a fragile flower.”
**Russia’s losses mount**
Despite the Pope’s appeal, Russia’s military is still active in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has suffered heavy losses, with over 1,000 troops killed each day.
**Chances of ceasefire seem slim**
The chances of Russia halting its attack for Christmas are unlikely. The Russian military is gathering speed and increasing its offensive operations before President–elect Donald Trump takes office in January 2025.
**World leaders respond**
US President-elect Donald Trump has called on Vladimir Putin to take action towards negotiating a truce, saying: “This is his time to act.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Ukraine may consider deploying European peacekeepers on its territory. However, this would depend on NATO membership talks.
**Recent attacks**
Overnight on December 9, Russia launched two cruise missiles and 37 drones at Ukraine from the Black Sea.
The Russian military has also transferred the bodies of Ukrainian prisoners of war who died in a plane crash over Russia’s Belgorod Oblast in January.
**War costs mount**
Russia has spent at least $200 billion on its war with Ukraine since 2022. The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, made this announcement on December 7 in California.