Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed a phone conversation with Pope Leo XIV regarding the ongoing war with Russia, describing the exchange as “very warm and truly substantive.”
In a post shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, President Zelensky stated that the Pope expressed a strong interest in achieving a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and discussed efforts toward the release of prisoners affected by the conflict.
The Ukrainian leader noted that the conversation also addressed the situation of thousands of Ukrainian children reportedly deported by Russia. “Ukraine counts on the Vatican’s assistance in bringing them home to their families,” Zelensky said.
He further revealed that he briefed the Pontiff on a new agreement reached between Ukraine and its international partners, under which a full and unconditional ceasefire is set to begin Monday, lasting for at least 30 days.
“I also reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for further negotiations in any format, including direct talks — a position we have repeatedly emphasised,” Zelensky added. “Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything to achieve that. We now await similar steps from Russia.”
The president concluded by extending an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine, stating that such a visit would “bring real hope to all believers and to all our people.”
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