Pope Francis has advocated for negotiations to end the Ukraine-Russia war, prompting criticism from Ukrainian, Polish, and Latvian leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Pope's appeal, stressing the importance of defeating Russian aggression amid escalating conflict.

Polish and Latvian officials have urged the Pope to instead call for a Russian troop withdrawal.

The UK Ministry of Defense reports indicate a potential stalemate in the conflict, despite Russian claims of advancements in eastern Ukraine.

The Pope's comments have sparked intense debate, underscoring the delicacy of international diplomacy in times of war.