Ukraine war briefing: backlash continues over the pope's 'white flag' gaffe

Ukraine speeds up construction of defences, UK intelligence says; Europe weapons imports double - what we know on day 747 See all our coverage of the war in Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed as "virtual mediation" from a distance Pope Francis's call for talks under a "white flag" with Russia. Ukraine's president made no direct reference to Francis or his comments but mentioned religious figures helping inside Ukraine. "They support us with prayer, with their discussion and with deeds. Th...