Putin and Pope Leo Discuss Ukraine Conflict in Historic Call
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a significant telephone conversation with Pope Leo on June 4, shedding light on the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, Putin expressed a desire for peace through diplomatic avenues while simultaneously asserting that the leadership in Kyiv is inclined toward escalating the conflict and engaging in acts of sabotage against Russian civil infrastructure.
The Kremlin characterized the call as constructive, with Putin emphasizing the need to address the deep-rooted issues contributing to the crisis in order to achieve a just and comprehensive settlement. This rhetoric hinted at familiar demands from Russia, which include limitations on Ukraine's military capabilities, a prohibition on NATO membership for Ukraine, and considerable territorial concessions. However, Ukraine has firmly rejected these proposals, insisting on an unconditional ceasefire, a stance that Russia remains unwilling to accept.
This phone call marked the first direct communication between the newly appointed, U.S.-born Pope Leo and Putin since the Pope ascended to his position as leader of the global Catholic community last month. Following his appointment, Pope Leo extended an offer to mediate discussions among world leaders engaged in conflict, a gesture which Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni interpreted as a potential host for peace talks regarding Ukraine at the Vatican. Nevertheless, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov questioned the appropriateness of Orthodox nations deliberating the conflict on Catholic soil.
During their discussion, Putin expressed gratitude for Pope Leo's willingness to aid in resolving the conflict. The Vatican reported that the Pope appealed for Russia to take steps that would favor peace. He also underlined the necessity of dialogue to promote constructive interactions between the involved parties, working towards resolutions to the ongoing tensions.
The conversation also touched upon the humanitarian crisis stemming from the war and the imperative to facilitate humanitarian aid where it is needed, alongside discussions concerning a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Pope Leo expressed appreciation for Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a staunch ally of Putin, for his expressed good wishes at the beginning of his pontificate. He noted that shared Christian values could serve as a guiding light to restore peace, protect life, and uphold genuine religious freedom.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, relations between the Holy See and Patriarch Kirill have been strained, particularly as Kirill has framed the conflict as a holy war.
As the conflict drags on, leading to significant casualties on both sides, direct negotiations have resumed between Russia and Ukraine. During a recent round of discussions, both nations exchanged documents outlining their terms for a ceasefire and agreed on a substantial prisoner exchange, which is anticipated to proceed in the coming days. This development highlights the complexities and ongoing struggles of resolving what has become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
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