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Pope Leo XIV has reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address the issue of Ukrainian children who have been abducted by Russia and to propose a western-backed 30-day ceasefire, marking a departure from the previous pontiff’s more neutral stance on the conflict with Moscow.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the warm and substantive conversation he had with the new pope, emphasizing the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and securing the release of prisoners. The Vatican confirmed the phone call between the two leaders but did not disclose further details.
During his recent statement, Pope Leo expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people and called for the prompt establishment of an authentic and enduring peace, as well as the safe return of abducted children to their families. This direct support for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s invasion was met with appreciation from Ukrainians and the country’s Catholic community.
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, who refrained from directly accusing Moscow of aggression and at times suggested that both sides were equally suffering, Pope Leo unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion as imperialist and highlighted the atrocities committed in the conflict.
The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, expressed optimism about Pope Leo’s role in advocating for peace in war-torn Ukraine, contrasting it with the previous pontiff’s approach.
Zelenskyy raised concerns about the thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia, seeking the Vatican’s assistance in repatriating them. He also extended an invitation to Pope Leo to visit Ukraine, viewing it as a source of hope for the nation.
Despite Zelenskyy’s willingness to uphold a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, Russia rejected the offer and proposed a meeting in Istanbul for peace talks. The EU, represented by Kaja Kallas, warned of further sanctions if Russia did not comply with the ceasefire deadline.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the EU’s ultimatum, stating that such language was inappropriate for dealing with Russia. The possibility of Putin attending the proposed meeting in Istanbul remains uncertain, pending confirmation from the Kremlin.
The developments in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia underscore the urgent need for diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to achieve a lasting resolution and alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
Additional reporting by Giuliana Ricozzi in Rome, Polina Ivanova in Berlin, and David Sheppard in London
