Many Russian soldiers say they would see a cease-fire along the current front lines as a failure, hinting at the nationalist discontent the Kremlin could face in accepting a cease-fire.

The Vatican has a deep history of conflict mediation, with varying degrees of success. An effort by the pope to end the war in Ukraine would face long odds.

Trump and Putin held a phone call to discuss ending the Ukraine war, signaling renewed diplomatic efforts amid ongoing global tensions.