Putin makes phone call with Pope Leo XIV

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Pope Leo XIV in a “constructive” phone call on Wednesday, addressing various topics including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Putin accused Ukraine of deliberately escalating the war by targeting civilian infrastructure inside Russian territory. He specifically described recent railway sabotage incidents in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions as acts of terrorism.

Putin reiterated Russia’s interest in resolving the conflict through political and diplomatic channels but emphasized that the root causes must be tackled to achieve lasting peace. He updated the Pope on progress made during recent direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul, highlighting agreements on prisoner exchanges and the return of the deceased.

The Russian president also stressed Russia’s efforts to reunite children separated from their families due to the conflict. Additionally, Putin raised concerns about the persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church by Kiev’s authorities, urging the Holy See to more actively support religious freedom in Ukraine.

Expressing gratitude for the Pope’s willingness to help resolve the crisis, Putin praised the Vatican’s role in mediating humanitarian issues between Russia and Ukraine. Both leaders agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations and intensify efforts to protect Christians worldwide.

The conversation came shortly after the election of the new Pope, Robert Prevost, the first American to hold the position, who succeeded Pope Francis following his death in April.

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