Zelensky and the Pope Discuss Peace in Ukraine; Over 80 Countries Participating in Peace Process

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, on Thursday about Ukraine's peace formula. He posted on X, stating, "We discussed our joint efforts to implement the framework for peace in Ukraine." According to Reuters, Zelensky added, "More than 80 countries are currently participating at the representative level in this peace process, and their number will increase." He also mentioned that the peace formula will be discussed at the upcoming Davos summit in Switzerland, although he did not provide a date. Pope Francis, in his Christmas message, called for an end to multiple conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. As part of his efforts, he sent his special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, to Moscow, Kyiv, Washington, and Beijing. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that the United States and its allies have failed to defeat Russia in Ukraine, which is why some in the West say that Moscow should engage in dialogue for peace in Ukraine. In an interview with the state news agency RIA and the Rossiya 24 television network, he stated that there are signs of a change in Western strategy, adding, "The West really needs to change its tricks... because if a strategic defeat of Russia is a strategy, this strategy has failed badly." Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that he is ready to discuss peace in Ukraine but under Russia's conditions. U.S. officials have indicated that they believe he is waiting for the results of next year's presidential election before taking any serious steps toward peace. President Joe Biden has stated that the West does not seek to destroy Russia but wants Kyiv to defeat Russian forces on Ukrainian soil. Biden also mentioned in 2022 that Russia has suffered a "strategic defeat" in Ukraine. Nearly two years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow controls about 17.5% of Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has stated that it will not accept peace until the last Russian soldier is expelled from its territory, as defined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The transfer of Ukrainian children from Russian-controlled areas to Belarus continues. The Ukrainian Air Force shot down seven Shahed drones in three regions. Blinken: The U.S. will allocate up to $250 million in military aid to Ukraine. Ukraine has launched an investigation into the allegation of the "execution" of three prisoners of war by Russian forces. Pope Francis criticized the military industry in his Christmas speech.