Putin agrees to help Pope get food into besieged Ukrainian town
Pope Leo asked Putin to arrange supplies for the Russian-controlled Ukrainian town of Oleshky.
Pope Leo called Vladimir Putin on Friday asking him to help deliver food and aid to Oleshky, a Ukrainian town Russia has controlled since February 2022. Around 1700 residents remain there.
The Pope expressed deep concern about a worsening food crisis in the town. The Kremlin said Putin agreed to cooperate on the matter, though it made no mention of allowing a ceasefire.
Russia and Ukraine blame each other for blocking supplies. The Vatican said the Pope wanted to plead the case for the besieged city.
This is only the second phone call between Leo and Putin. The Pope, aged 71, is recovering from lung cancer surgery at a Rome hospital and is able to work and attend to daily tasks.
- around 1700
- Residents in Oleshky
- 47
- Children in town
- 24000
- Pre-war population
- February 2022
- Town captured
Why it mattersVatican involvement in the Ukraine conflict signals another diplomatic channel for negotiating aid and civilian welfare, though past supply efforts have repeatedly stalled.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but any progress on humanitarian access in Ukraine affects global food and aid logistics Australia monitors.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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