Putin and Pope Leo Discuss Aid for Ukrainian Town of Oleshky

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he has agreed to cooperate with Pope Leo's request to deliver vital aid to the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky.

According to a statement from the Vatican, Pope Leo called Putin to request a ceasefire to allow food and aid to reach the town, which was captured by Russian forces in February 2022. While residents in the region report a deepening food crisis, the Pope expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the town. Russia and Ukraine blame each other for blocking shipments to the town, which Ukrainian forces are seeking to retake.

The Kremlin stated that it supports the intention to create conditions for ensuring the safety of the town's residents and organizing vital supplies, though it did not mention a ceasefire. The statement noted that it was decided to cooperate on this matter. The Vatican also conveyed that the Pope reiterated the Holy See's commitment to any peace initiative.

It was stated that the 71-year-old Pope, who is recovering at the Gemelli hospital in Rome following lung cancer surgery, is showing steady improvement and is able to perform his normal daily activities. The Kremlin reported that Putin wished the Pope a speedy and full recovery. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the call was initiated by the Pope and that the Pope wanted to advocate for the cause of this besieged city.

Russia acknowledged critical issues regarding food and medical supplies in Oleshky, stating that its military is working to resolve them and blaming Ukraine for the crisis. Ukraine, meanwhile, argued that it is Russia that is blocking food shipments. According to Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the pre-war population of Oleshky in the Kherson region was approximately 24,000, while about 1,700 residents, including 47 children, currently remain.