Pope urges Putin to halt fire in Oleshky

Pope Leo XIV urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt fire during a phone conversation. The Vatican News cites a statement from the press office of the Holy See.

According to the statement, the Pope expressed concern over the grave humanitarian situation in the Kherson Oblast city of Oleshky. He asked Putin to halt fire so that food and medical aid could be delivered and civilians could be evacuated voluntarily and safely.

"During the conversation, the Holy Father expressed deep concern over the grave humanitarian situation in the city of Oleshky in the Kherson Oblast and appealed for a ceasefire so that food and medical aid could be delivered, and civilians could be evacuated voluntarily and safely. Finally, the Holy Father reaffirmed the commitment of the Holy See to promoting dialogue and peace," the statement said.

Oleshky has been occupied since the first days of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Since May 2026, food supplies to the city have not been possible, and the Russian army is not allowing residents to evacuate. According to Ukrainian data, 6,000 people remain in Oleshky under the Russian blockade.