Former U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cede territory to Russia as part of a peace deal, suggesting Moscow has the "upper hand" for a potential Christmas ceasefire.Zelensky firmly rejected ceding any territory, stating it is against Ukrainian and international law, while requesting U.S. and European assistance to ensure election security, which is currently prohibited under martial law.Pope Leo XIV offered Vatican mediation for abducted children, and European leaders, including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Friedrich Merz, reaffirmed support for Kyiv, aiming for robust security guarantees in any ceasefire, as Russia continues drone attacks and Ukraine targets Russian energy facilities.