Putin agrees to Pope's plea for aid to Ukraine town

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 19:32 · Archive

The Kremlin agreed to cooperate with the Pope to ensure safety and deliver vital supplies to the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky.

President Vladimir Putin told Pope Leo he had agreed to cooperate after the pontiff asked him to help get vital supplies into the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky, the Kremlin said. Leo phoned Putin on Friday and asked him to arrange a ceasefire to let aid and food into the town, which Russian forces captured in February 2022. Residents have reported a deepening food crisis, and Leo expressed 'deep concern' over the humanitarian situation there, the Vatican said.

The Kremlin stated that it supported the Vatican's intention to ensure the town's safety and organise vital supplies, adding that 'it has been agreed to cooperate on this matter'. The statement did not mention a ceasefire. Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of blocking supplies to the town, which Ukrainian forces want to retake. Russia has acknowledged critical problems with food and medical supplies in Oleshky and blamed Ukraine for the crisis, saying it was obstructing those supplies from getting to the town.

Leo and Putin had previously spoken in June 2025. The Pope, 71, is recovering at Rome's Gemelli hospital after surgery for lung cancer and is showing steady improvement. The Kremlin said Putin wished Leo a speedy and full recovery. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, told reporters that it had been Leo's initiative to make the call.

How it is being reported

• Putin agrees to Pope's plea for aid for Ukraine townThe Kremlin has agreed to the Pope's request to help ensure the safety and vital supply delivery to Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 19:12
• Putin agrees to Pope's plea for aid for Ukraine townThe Kremlin has agreed to the Pope's request to help ensure the safety and vital supply delivery to Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 19:12

In this story: Vladimir Putin · Pope Leo · Oleshky · Ukraine · Russia · The Vatican · Cardinal Pietro Parolin

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem