Russia

President Trump said he plans to speak by phone with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, followed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and leaders of NATO countries, about ending the war in Ukraine.

Pope Leo XIV and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy spoke by phone recently, according to the Vatican.

There are lots of unknowns ahead of potential direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey.

Ukraine and European allies had demanded Russia accept a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday before holding talks, but Moscow effectively rejected the proposal and called for direct negotiations instead.

U.K. Prime Minister says Europe and the U.S. are "calling out" Putin, by proposing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday.

Celebrations included a massive military parade in Moscow's Red Square, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted several foreign leaders, including the presidents of China and Brazil.

At the northern end of the Black Sea, Crimea sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, having been at various times in its long history either coveted, conquered or controlled by various powers.