Pope Leo XIV voiced support for Ukraine following Russia's large-scale attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. He called for prayers for a "just and lasting peace" for the Ukrainian people, who are enduring severe hardships.

Pope Leo XIV appealed for persecuted Christians around the globe on Sunday, making specific mention of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his prayers. “We are grateful to Pope Leo XIV for his prayers and compassion with the Ukrainian people following Russia’s brutal strike on Kyiv. We value the Pontiff’s call not to become accustomed to this terror,” Sybiha said on X.

Aug. 22’s day of prayer and fasting for peace, at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV, was a customary Christian response to violent wars the world over. Some observers have noted that Leo’s initiative echoes that of Pope Francis early in his own pontificate.

The update was issued hours after Russia launched a wave of overnight attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, with at least seven people killed in strikes that hit city buildings and energy infrastructure.

Ukraine said Tuesday that it was hoping to finalize a deal with President Donald Trump in the coming days, as the United States intensified its new push to end Russia's war

European officials have welcomed progress in talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on U.S. peace proposals seen as heavily favoring Russia after its invasion of Ukraine