Ukraine Supports Olympic Truce Call

Ukraine Supports Pause in Fighting During Winter Games

Ukraine has expressed approval for a temporary halt to hostilities coinciding with the Milano Cortina Winter Games. The call follows encouragement from Italy and Pope Leo, who urged global leaders to use the event as a platform for peace.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine agrees with both the idea of a truce and the subsequent UN resolution. He also demanded that Russia clarify its position on the ceasefire.

Sybiha told reporters in Kyiv that ending hostilities would pave the way for broader peace negotiations. He cautioned that if Russia rejects another ceasefire, it would demonstrate Moscow’s refusal to allow any chance of ending the war.

Pope Leo highlighted an ancient Olympic tradition that pauses conflict during games and urged influential figures to initiate genuine dialogue for peace.

The war has endured nearly four years since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Russian forces control about one‑fifth of Ukrainian territory and continue to target the power grid.

The United States is mediating a settlement and has hosted talks between the two sides. Ukraine hopes that this brief break in fighting will advance progress toward a lasting resolution.