My firm impression is that both the Europeans and the Americans are determined to work together, but now also in a goal-oriented manner, to ensure that this terrible war ends soon.
I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.
We discussed the talks in Istanbul, where the Russians sent a low-level delegation with no decision-making powers.
We also touched on the need for sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defence cooperation, the situation on the battlefield and the future exchange of prisoners.
Pressure on Russia must continue until it is ready to stop the war.
Where I think President Trump's policy is most in accord with Christian social teaching and with the Catholic faith is that more than any president of my lifetime, President Trump has pursued a path of peace.
I understand there's this temptation to cover the papacy as a political office. It is not a political office. It is a spiritual office.
One of the things that could break this logjam — perhaps the only thing — is a direct conversation between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
I would argue there's nothing compassionate about mass migration. There's nothing compassionate about open borders that allows people to be trafficked here. There's nothing compassionate about — either, to the American people, about flooding our country with individuals that are criminals and prey on our communities. There's nothing compassionate about any of that.
President Trump has made it very clear, that if President Putin does not negotiate in good faith, that the United States will not hesitate to up the Russia sanctions along with our European partners.
