Pope Leo XVI has spoken from hospital to Russian President Vladimir Putin to voice his “deep concern” about the town of Oleshky in occupied Ukraine. Source: The Tablet.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, the Holy See said the Pope had spoken by telephone to Mr Putin and discussed the “grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky, in the Kherson region”.
Russian forces have occupied the city since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and it is still close to the frontline. From a pre-war population of 24,000, about 2000 people remain there in worsening conditions without regular food supplies.
The Pope “called for a ceasefire to allow the delivery of food and medical assistance, and the voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population”, according to the statement, and “reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace”.
The Secretariat of State confirmed that the call was the Pope’s initiative. It was his second conversation with Mr Putin, following a call in June last year.
A statement from the Kremlin said Mr Putin had expressed support “for the Vatican’s intention to facilitate creating the necessary conditions to keep the town’s population safe and beginning vital supplies”.
Drone strikes and mined roads around Oleshky have prevented supply from reaching the town and civilians from escaping it. Relief efforts including attempts to deliver aid by drone have largely failed since the last substantial food delivery in May.
Each side in the conflict has accused the other of causing the crisis in Oleshky, Russia claiming Ukraine has prevented supplies reaching the town while Ukraine alleges that Russian authorities will not allow civilians to evacuate.
According to the Kremlin statement on Friday, Mr Putin gave the Pope “a comprehensive explanation as to the [Kyiv] regime’s responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation there”.
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Leo pleas for besieged Ukrainian town in call with Putin (By Patrick Hudson, The Tablet)
