Pope Leo XIV called Vladimir Putin to seek a ceasefire allowing food and medicine into Oleshky and safe, voluntary civilian evacuations. The Russian-occupied city lies on the front line in Ukraine’s Kherson region. The Kremlin announced cooperation on essential supplies, while the Vatican’s request for a local ceasefire remained unanswered publicly.
Pope Leo XIV asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire in Oleshky during a telephone call on 16 October. The Vatican said the request concerned food and medical assistance entering the city and the safe, voluntary evacuation of civilians. Oleshky lies on the eastern bank of the Dnipro in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine’s Kherson region, along the front line.[1], [2]
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said Leo had initiated the conversation on behalf of the besieged city. He referred to approximately two thousand civilians needing humanitarian routes to leave. Parolin said the initiative particularly concerned food deliveries and evacuation for those wishing to depart. He expressed hope that Putin would respond favourably. The Vatican also reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peace.[1]
The Kremlin said Putin agreed to cooperate with the Vatican in organising essential supplies for Oleshky. Its statement did not announce acceptance of a ceasefire. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of obstructing food and medicine deliveries. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said Ukraine had prepared an evacuation mission with the International Committee of the Red Cross ready to participate, but Russia had not confirmed participation. Continuing attacks have complicated deliveries and civilian departures.[1]
