The Kremlin reports that President Putin told the Pope that Kiev is escalating the conflict and targeting civilian infrastructure.
President Vladimir Putin informed Pope Leo XIV that Ukraine is intentionally escalating the conflict by attacking civilian infrastructure within Russia.
The Kremlin stated that Putin and the Pope had “a constructive” phone conversation on Wednesday, discussing various topics, including the situation in Ukraine.
Putin asserted that, despite renewed direct talks between Moscow and Kiev, the Ukrainian leadership is “doubling down on escalation [and] conducting acts of sabotage against civilian infrastructure on Russian territory.” The Kremlin reported he described recent railway sabotage in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk Regions as terrorism.
The Russian president affirmed Moscow’s desire for a political and diplomatic resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need to address its underlying causes for lasting peace.
Putin briefed the Pope on the progress made during the recent negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Monday, stating that they agreed to exchange prisoners and the bodies of the deceased.
According to the Kremlin, he emphasized that Russia is committed to reuniting children separated from their families during the conflict.
Putin also drew the Pope’s attention to the alleged persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church by Kiev authorities, expressing hope for increased support from the Holy See for religious freedom in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Putin thanked the Pope “for his willingness to assist in resolving the crisis” and acknowledged the Holy See’s role in mediating humanitarian issues between Moscow and Kiev.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and intensify efforts to protect Christians globally, the statement said.
Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, was elected Pope last month, becoming the first American to hold the position. He succeeded Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.