The crucial fight being slugged out between Russia, Ukraine and their allies is for the ear of US President Donald Trump, who seems increasingly frustrated with efforts to broker peace.

Greece’s top diplomat says the world is facing the most turbulent time since World War II, pointing to a crossroads in democracy and saying Europe is facing a “political identity crisis.”

A leading economist has been telling EU finance ministers that Russia’s economy is under growing strain as its invasion of Ukraine drags on

Ukrainian officials and analysts say Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has few options but to draw U.S. President Donald Trump’s ire against Vladimir Putin, while depending on Europe’s support.

Europe is a long way from talking about deploying troops in Ukraine as all its efforts are currently focused on securing an unconditional ceasefire from Russia, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday.

The gathering will also address ways to improve the continent’s competitiveness and tackle unauthorized migration.

Ukraine’s president was among the dignitaries and world leaders in St. Peter’s Square after the pope proposed the Vatican as a venue for peace talks.

The European Union is preparing to reintroduce tariffs and quotas for Ukraine’s agricultural products removed in the wake of Russia’s invasion three years ago. The wartime tariff waivers are expiring amid calls for stricter controls on Ukrainian imports from several EU governments.