Russia peace talks in the Vatican marks a significant development for the first US-born pontiff, just as the Trump administration appears to be stepping back from leading negotiations.The Vatican has helped arbitrate delicate matters of diplomacy in the past.

WASHINGTON–President Trump has begun a high-stakes call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a White House official said, the latest administration attempt to jump-start peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

The president announced that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War.”