According to the Vatican, Pope Leo phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin and asked him to arrange a cease‑fire so that aid and food could reach Oleshky, a town taken by Russian forces in February 2022. The call highlights the Pope’s willingness to intervene personally in a conflict zone.

Oleshky, seized in February 2022, faces a deepening food and medical‑supply crisis. Before the war it had about 24,000 people; now only around 1,700 remain, including 47 children. Russia and Ukraine each blame the other for the blockages.

The Kremlin responded that it had agreed to cooperate on the matter, but the statement did not mention a cease‑fire. This shows Russia’s willingness to discuss humanitarian assistance while avoiding any commitment to stop fighting.

Pope Leo, who is recovering from lung‑cancer surgery, had spoken with Putin before, in June 2025, and at that time reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to any peace initiatives. His health condition did not prevent him from making the new appeal.

The episode demonstrates how a religious leader can use personal diplomacy with a world leader to try to secure humanitarian relief and a pause in hostilities. It underlines the Pope’s potential influence in shaping responses to humanitarian crises.