Pakistan, Feb. 8 -- Ukraine has expressed support for a ceasefire during the Winter Olympics, responding to Pope Leo and Italy's appeal for world leaders to use the Milano Cortina games to promote peace. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Kyiv welcomes any pause in fighting and hopes Russia will respond positively. The proposal is tied to a corresponding United Nations resolution calling for a global Olympic truce.

Sybiha stressed that Ukraine is ready to observe a temporary halt in hostilities if Russia agrees, noting that rejection would reveal Moscow's unwillingness to pursue peace. He highlighted the importance of de-escalation for both diplomatic progress and civilian protection. Meanwhile, Pope Leo invoked the ancient t...