Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that talks between the United States and Ukraine in Switzerland have been the "most productive and meaningful so far," as European leaders questioned the peace plan.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the claims, writing on social media that "the peace proposal was authored by the U.S."

Ukraine hopes to capitalize on Pope Leo’s calls for peace to coax the Vatican into helping secure the release of children and other prisoners held by Russia.

Hundreds of children's shoes lined the steps of the Manitoba Legislature on Thursday during a sombre ceremony where families gathered to honour the lives of children who have died in Ukraine since the Russian invasion.