Putin explains Kiev’s responsibility for humanitarian situation in Alyoshki to Leo XIV

  Russian President Vladimir Putin provided Pope Leo XIV with a detailed explanation of the difficult humanitarian situation in the city of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region and said that Kiev was responsible for the situation, the Kremlin press service said following the call.

"In response to the pontiff’s expressed concern for the fate of civilians in the Russian city of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region, a comprehensive explanation was provided regarding the Kiev regime’s responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation there," the statement said.

Putin also backed the Vatican’s intention to help create conditions to ensure the safety of the city’s residents and organize vital supplies. "The sides agreed to cooperate on this matter. The conversation was held in a constructive and mutually respectful manner," the Kremlin concluded.

 Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the Ukrainian city of Oleshky during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, calling for a ceasefire to allow aid deliveries and the safe evacuation of civilians, the Vatican said.

The pope called for a halt to hostilities to enable the delivery of food and medical assistance to the city in the Kherson region.

He also called for the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.