Zelensky Seeks Support Amid Escalating Ukraine War

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with intense fighting in the Donbas region and significant drone strikes by Ukraine on Russian targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is actively seeking international support for his 'victory plan' to end the war, engaging with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss the repatriation of Ukrainian captives and proposing diplomatic solutions. During his European tour, Zelensky also held talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, advocating for sustained military and financial support from Germany and the EU. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic participated in a Ukraine-South East Europe summit, managing to moderate a pro-Ukrainian declaration, reflecting Serbia's complex diplomatic position given its EU aspirations and historical ties with Russia. Pope Francis has consistently called for peace, emphasizing humanitarian needs and prisoner exchanges, despite some criticism from Ukrainian leaders regarding his earlier comments on negotiating with Russia.