Putin and Pope Leo XIV Discuss Ukraine and Humanitarian Aid

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone on October 16, the Kremlin said.

Putin wished the pope a speedy recovery following recent surgery. According to the Kremlin, they discussed cooperation between Russia and the Vatican to promote shared moral values and protect Christians and Christian sites around the world. They also reaffirmed their interest in maintaining dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic churches.

On Ukraine, Putin thanked the pope for his willingness to help resolve the conflict and for his humanitarian efforts, the Kremlin said.

The statement said the pope had expressed concern about civilians in Alyoshki, in the Kherson Region. Putin provided what the Kremlin described as an explanation of Kyiv’s responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation there.

The Kremlin said both sides supported the Vatican’s efforts to help protect the town’s residents and deliver essential supplies, and agreed to cooperate on the matter.