Pakistan, Feb. 8 -- Ukraine has expressed support for a ceasefire during the Winter Olympics, responding to Pope Leo and Italy's appeal for world leaders to use the Milano Cortina games to promote peace.

Pakistan, Feb. 8 -- Charlize Theron closed the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics with a surprise appearance and a powerful message centered on peace and shared humanity.

"Amid pressing international conflicts, the Olympics is one of the most significant geopolitical events of the year."

All three flame-lighters — Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni in Milan, and Sofia Goggia in Cortina — are Olympic champion Alpine ski racers from Italy. Tomba and Compagnoni are retired; Goggia is entered in the 2026 Games.