Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences for the people killed in Ukraine as a result of recent Russian attacks, Ukrinform reported, citing a publication by the pope in “Ex“.
“I am following with sadness the news about the attacks that continue to hit a number of Ukrainian cities, including Kiev. These attacks are causing deaths and injuries, including children, and are causing serious damage to civilian infrastructure, leaving families homeless as the cold sets in,” the Holy Father wrote.
He expressed solidarity with the victims and urged people not to become accustomed to war and destruction.
“Let us pray together for a just and lasting peace in war-torn Ukraine,” Pope Leo XIII urged.
The number of people affected by the large-scale Russian attack on Kiev on Friday has reached 36, with six confirmed dead, Ukrinform reports.
The Danubian Ukrainian city of Izmail is currently under a massive drone attack, the Izmail regional state administration reported in "Facebook".
Regional authorities have urged residents to take shelter in bomb shelters.
Over 20 drones have headed for Izmail from the Black Sea, and loud explosions are echoing in the city, local channels in the "Telegram" app reported. Air raid sirens were activated at 23:00.
The Zaporizhia Regional Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the case of the shooting of three Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers, Ukrinform reported.
“Under the leadership of the Zaporizhia Regional Prosecutor's Office, on November 16, 2025, a criminal case was initiated for violation of the laws and principles of war, combined with premeditated murder (Article 438, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)“, the statement said.
Yesterday, a video was posted online showing three Russian servicemen shooting three captured soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to the investigation, the incident occurred on November 14 in the Khulyaypole region of Zaporizhia region, where active hostilities continue.
“The killing of prisoners of war is a gross violation of the Geneva Convention and qualifies as a grave international crime. The preliminary investigation into the criminal case is being conducted by investigators from the National Security Service of Zaporizhia region“, the prosecutor's office said.
This month, a Russian special forces soldier, Dmitry Kurashov, was sentenced to life in prison after he shot and killed a Ukrainian soldier who had surrendered on the battlefield in January 2024.