Pope discusses humanitarian disaster in occupied Oleshki with Zelensky

On Monday, October 19, Pope Leo XIV had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. One of the main topics was the humanitarian situation in the temporarily occupied Oleshki, Kherson region. The conversation took place a few days after the pontiff’s contacts with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

This was reported by the press service of the Holy See.

During the conversation, the Pope mentioned his proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire, which he had previously discussed with Putin.

The Vatican noted that the pontiff hopes for cooperation between the parties, which will allow food and medicine to be delivered to Oleshki, as well as organizing the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.

Leo XIV also confirmed the Holy See’s willingness to promote dialogue and peaceful settlement.

Zelensky later said that he had informed the Pope about the intensification of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities.

Separately, the parties discussed the humanitarian catastrophe in occupied Oleshki. According to the president, Ukraine is working on solutions that will help local residents.

“We also talked about the humanitarian catastrophe in temporarily occupied Oleshki. We are working to help our people there. We are preparing a solution. His Holiness informed about contacts with the Russian side on this issue,” Zelenskyy noted.

In addition, the president raised the issue of security threats. In particular, he discussed cases when Ukraine did not receive warnings from partners about Russian ballistic attacks.

According to Zelensky, this has happened three times recently.

It was previously reported that the Ukrainian military delivered humanitarian aid to occupied Oleshki for the second time, handing over almost 4 tons of food, medicine, and baby kits to residents.