Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed his willingness to cooperate with Pope Leon following the pontiff’s request for assistance in delivering essential supplies to the Ukrainian city of Oleshkiv, currently under Russian control, as announced by the Kremlin.
Pope Leon called Putin on Friday, urging him to arrange a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid and food to reach the city, which has been occupied by Russian forces since February 2022, according to reports from the Vatican. Residents have reported a worsening food crisis, as noted by news sources.
The Vatican highlighted the Pope’s “deep concern” regarding the humanitarian situation in the area. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of obstructing the delivery of supplies to Oleshkiv, which Ukrainian forces are keen to reclaim.
The Kremlin released a statement indicating that the Vatican’s intention to help ensure the safety of the city’s population and organize the supply of essential goods was positively received, though it did not mention a ceasefire. “It was agreed to cooperate on this matter,” the Kremlin added.
It is known that Leon and Putin had previously discussed this topic in June 2025. The Pope reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to any peace initiatives, the Vatican stated.
At 71, Pope Leon is recovering at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The Vatican announced on Friday that his condition is steadily improving, and he is able to work and engage in normal daily activities. The Kremlin conveyed wishes for a swift and complete recovery to Leon.
After the conversation, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, informed reporters that this initiative came from Pope Leon, who aimed to advocate for the plight of the besieged city. Russia acknowledged the serious issues regarding food and medicine supply in Oleshkiv and claimed that its military is working to address them. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the crisis, asserting that it hinders the delivery of supplies, while Ukraine contends that Russia is blocking food deliveries.
Oleshkiv, located in the Kherson region of Ukraine, had a pre-war population of approximately 24,000 residents and currently hosts about 1,700 residents, including 47 children, according to Danielle Bell, head of the UN Monitoring Mission on Human Rights in Ukraine.
