Pope Leo XIV has stressed the need for an agreement to end the violence in Ukraine ahead of Friday’s summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

“I always hope for a ceasefire, for the violence to cease, and for them to reach an agreement. Why the war after so long? What is the purpose?” he told ANSA.

His remarks follow a virtual meeting between Trump and European leaders in which it was reaffirmed that any ceasefire or broader peace deal must include Ukraine as a participant. According to reports, the talks also touched on the possibility of territorial swaps, an idea allegedly raised by Trump.