Pope Leo XIV, in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Oleshky in the Kherson region and called for a ceasefire. According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, this would allow for the delivery of food and medical aid and enable the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.
Briefly about the main points
- Pope Leo XIV spoke to Vladimir Putin on the telephone on 16 October.
- The Holy See has announced a call for a ceasefire in Oleshky.
- The stated aim is to deliver aid and facilitate a safe, voluntary evacuation.
- There is no information to suggest that Russia has agreed to a ceasefire.
What the Holy See has announced
The Holy See’s Press Office stated that the Pontiff had expressed «deep concern» at the dire humanitarian the situation in Oleshky. The statement also notes that Leo XIV reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peace.
The Pope called for a ceasefire to allow food and medical aid to be delivered to the city’s residents. He also spoke specifically about the possibility of a voluntary and safe evacuation of the civilian population.
No details were given regarding any agreements reached following the discussion
The statement issued by the Holy See contains no information to suggest that Russia has agreed to a ceasefire. Nor has there been any report of a humanitarian corridor being opened, the start of an evacuation or the delivery of aid following this conversation.
Vatican News published a report on the telephone call on 16 October. The version of the statement available does not specify whether this was the first conversation between Leo XIV and Putin.
What is known about access to Oleshky
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine had previously reported a significant deterioration in the security situation for civilians in Oleshky and Hola Prystan in 2025–2026. According to the mission, on 2 June, a convoy carrying food and humanitarian aid to Oleshky was blown up.
The Ukrainian authorities also reported previous attempts to deliver supplies to the city: on 27 September, the Kherson Regional Military Administration announced that around four tonnes of humanitarian aid had been delivered by heavy drones, and on 4 October, the Ministry of the Interior reported nearly 400 parcels as part of a second operation.
