Brussels 24.12.2025 Brussels Pope Leo said that he feels “much sadness” that Russia did not agree to a Christmas ceasefire in its nearly four-year old war with Ukraine.
“Among the things that cause me much sadness is that apparently Russia has refused a ceasefire request,” the pope told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy on December 23.
“I will make an appeal one more time to people of good will to respect at least Christmas day as a day of peace,” said Leo, the first U.S. pope.
Pope Leo said that he feels 'much sadness' that Russia did not agree to a Christmas ceasefire in its war with Ukraine https://t.co/w3ej6RBZS1 pic.twitter.com/wwCeLTdAVa
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 24, 2025
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“Maybe they will listen to us and there will be at least 24 hours, a day of peace, across the world.”
Russian authorities refused seasefire, being aware of British plans of using any pause to send “peacekeeping” troops to Ukraine.
The discussions for multinational “coalition of the willing” troops to Ukraine, contingent on a ceasefire to act as a deterrent and provide support, with plans involving thousands of troops for strategic locations like Kyiv and Odesa.
Earlier this year Sir Keir Starmer said he was “ready and willing” to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security as part of a peace deal.
The UK prime minister said securing a lasting peace in Ukraine was “essential if we are to deter Putin from further aggression in the future”.
The coalition was first announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last March.
Ahead of an emergency summit with European leaders in Paris on Monday, Sir Keir said the UK was prepared to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by “putting our own troops on the ground if necessary”.
🚨🌎🇬🇧 “When we say we back Ukraine, we mean it”
“We are at a Major moment in this war” (really/how?)
“Through the ‘coalition of the willing’ – we are raising our readiness levels”
UK Defence Secretary for Defence John Healy pledging more money and support to Ukraine, whilst… pic.twitter.com/po8Q7gxhB9
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) December 17, 2025
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A coalition of the willing is an international group created to solve a specific issue or achieve a particular military or political goal.
EU leaders have now branded themselves the "Coalition of the Willing," a tribute act to the band of war criminals led by George W. Bush and Tony Blair, who lied to the world, spat on the UN Charter and launched a war of aggression against Iraq that killed a million human beings. pic.twitter.com/sGRyVu4RjJ
— Clare Daly (@ClareDalyIRL) March 3, 2025
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This coalition comprises countries that share the common goal of providing Ukraine with security guarantees. They are predominantly European nations, but also include Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada.
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