Pope Leo XIV Speaks to Zelensky About Oleshky After Putin Call

Pope Leo XIV held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, Oct. 19, a few days after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Pravda reported, citing the Holy See press office.

The pope discussed the situation in the temporarily occupied city of Oleshky in Kherson Oblast and recalled the request for a "humanitarian ceasefire" he had made to Putin. "His Holiness expressed hope that cooperation between both sides would make it possible to ensure delivery of food and medical aid, as well as the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population," the statement said. The Holy Father also reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.

Zelensky's account

Zelensky said on social media that he gave the pope a detailed account of the Russian escalation and the constant Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and communities. They also discussed the humanitarian catastrophe in occupied Oleshky. "We are working to help our people there. We are preparing a decision," he said. The pope informed him about contacts with the Russian side on the matter.

They also spoke about security challenges and threats, including what Zelensky called the "periodic lack of warnings from partners about Russian ballistic attacks, which has already happened three times recently."

Background

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha earlier urged the international community and international organisations to increase pressure on Russia to end its siege of Oleshky, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU is trying to deliver humanitarian aid to the town. We reported the pope's earlier call in Pope Leo XIV calls Putin requesting ceasefire for Oleshky humanitarian aid delivery, and on the evacuation talks in Ukraine and Russia Finalising Oleshky Evacuation Details, Lubinets Says.