Pope Leo urges Ukraine and Russia to cooperate on aid for blockaded Oleshky

Summary

Pope Leo XIV held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, according to the Vatican, and urged Ukraine and Russia to cooperate so that food and aid can reach the blockaded town of Oleshky. Residents have reported a deepening food crisis in the town. Euronews reports that the pope has been calling for a humanitarian truce in Oleshky, a city under Russian siege, to allow food and medical aid to arrive and civilians to be evacuated safely.

Timeline

1. Straits Times

   19 Oct 2026, 17:16 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Pope Leo held a phone call on Monday with Zelenskiy, according to the Vatican, and urged Ukraine and Russia to cooperate to let aid and food into the blockaded town of Oleshky.

2. ABC News

   19 Oct 2026, 19:53 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and urged humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and Russia during the call.

3. Euronews

   19 Oct 2026, 20:40 UTCSource ↗

   Euronews reports that Pope Leo XIV held a call with Zelenskyy, according to the Vatican, and has been calling for a humanitarian truce in Oleshky so that food and medical aid can arrive and civilians can be evacuated safely.