内容摘要：Francis demanded his bishops apply mercy and charity to their flocks, pressed the world to protect God’s creation from climate disaster, and challenged countries to welcome those fleeing war, poverty and oppression.

Francis demanded his bishops apply mercy and charity to their flocks, pressed the world to protect God’s creation from climate disaster, and challenged countries to welcome those fleeing war, poverty and oppression.

Since the end of 2023, Russia has mostly had the advantage on the battlefield, with the exception of Kursk.Putin has effectively rejected recent U.S. and European

. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday accused Kyiv’s allies of seeking a truce “so that they can calmly arm Ukraine, so that Ukraine can strengthen its defensive positions.”to help the Russian army take back control of Kursk, according to Ukraine, the U.S. and South Korea. Russia announced on April 26 that its forces hadthe Ukrainian army. Kyiv officials denied the claim.

The Ukrainian Army General Staff said on Wednesday evening that its operation “in the designated areas in the border regions of Kursk continues” and ”although the conditions remain difficult, Ukrainian defenders hold their positions, fulfill their tasks and inflict effective damage on the enemy.” Its map of military activity showed Ukrainian troops holding a thin line of land hard against the border but still inside Russia.Putin’s unannounced visit appeared to be an effort to show Russia is in control of the conflict, even though its full-scale invasion of its neighbor has been slow and costly in terms of casualties and equipment.

Video broadcast by Russian state media showed that Putin visited Kursk Nuclear Power Plant-2, which is still under construction, and met with selected volunteers.

Many of the volunteers wore clothes emblazoned with the Russian flag, some had the Latin letters “V” on them, one of the symbols of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)WHERE IT STANDS: Faded away.

BACKSTORY: In February, Trump falsely labeled Ukrainian Presidenta “dictator without elections” in the midst of