Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to agree to truce in besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky

Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to support truce in Oleshky

Poinews.com – Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to agree to a humanitarian truce in Oleshky, a Russian-occupied city in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, as civilians face an increasingly severe situation. The proposed pause would allow food and medical assistance to enter and enable residents to leave safely if they choose.

The Pope made the appeal during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday while recovering in hospital following lung cancer surgery. Vatican officials said the request centred on the immediate needs of civilians remaining in the city.

About 2,000 people in Oleshky need safe routes out and access to essential supplies, according to the Vatican. Disrupted transport and services can make it especially difficult for residents to obtain food, medicine and regular healthcare.

Humanitarian corridors for civilians

The Vatican described the request as a plea for a limited ceasefire focused on protecting civilians. A truce could create time for aid deliveries and voluntary evacuations without the immediate danger posed by active fighting.

“The Vatican said that Pope Leo ‘expressed his deep concern about the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region, and called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population’.”

Pope Leo XIV urges Putin to consider a measure that would help people who cannot easily leave on their own, including older residents, families with children, people with disabilities and those requiring continuing medical treatment.

The emphasis on voluntary evacuation is significant. Civilians should be able to decide whether to remain or depart, while those wishing to leave need a secure and dependable route.

Vatican appeal to the Kremlin

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, said Leo XIV personally initiated the call to make the case for Oleshky’s residents.

“It was the Holy Father who took the initiative” to call Russian President Vladimir Putin “to plead the case of this besieged city, where around 2,000 civilians need safe routes out and humanitarian corridors.”

Parolin said the Pope sought a truce that could permit two urgent actions: bringing humanitarian relief into Oleshky and evacuating people who need to leave.

“I believe the Pope asked for a truce to allow both the delivery of humanitarian aid, especially food, and the evacuation of those who must leave the city.”

He said he hoped Putin would accept the appeal. Pope Leo XIV urges Putin as part of the Holy See’s wider effort to draw attention to civilians affected by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

Russian news agencies reported that Putin thanked the Pope for his willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving the conflict and for his humanitarian work. He also wished Leo XIV a recovery after his operation.

Second known call between Leo XIV and Putin

The Friday conversation was the second known discussion between Pope Leo XIV and Putin. Their first call took place on 4 June 2025, less than a month after Leo XIV was elected pope.

Pope Francis last spoke with Putin on 17 December 2021, which was also Putin’s birthday. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Francis sought direct contact with the Russian president but did not hold another conversation with him.

Although the latest call cannot resolve the broader war, it places fresh attention on the immediate humanitarian needs in Oleshky. A temporary truce could offer a practical way to protect civilians and deliver urgent assistance.

FAQ: Oleshky humanitarian truce

What would a humanitarian truce in Oleshky allow?

A humanitarian truce would temporarily halt fighting to allow food and medical aid to reach civilians and provide safer routes for residents who want to evacuate.

How many civilians need assistance in Oleshky?

The Vatican said around 2,000 civilians need safe evacuation routes and humanitarian support in the city.