Putin and the Pope discussed Kiev's strikes on civilians

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Pope Leo XIV, the Kremlin's press service reported on June 4.

At the request of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Vladimir Putin conveyed wishes of success in his pastoral ministry to Pope Leo XIV. The Pontiff spoke in favor of continuing the dialogue between the two sister churches.

"When exchanging views on the situation on To Ukraine, Vladimir Putin confirmed his interest in achieving peace through political and diplomatic means, stressed that for a final, fair and comprehensive resolution of the crisis, it is necessary to eliminate its root causes," the statement said.

In the context of the resumption of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks in Istanbul, the Russian President informed about the concrete agreements reached during the second round on the exchange of prisoners of war and the bodies of the dead. It is emphasized that the Russian side is taking all possible measures to reunite children with relatives.

Gratitude was expressed to the Pontiff for his readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, in particular, for the participation of the Vatican on a depoliticized basis in resolving acute humanitarian issues.

"Vladimir Putin drew particular attention to the fact that the Kiev regime relies on the escalation of the conflict, conducts sabotage against civilian infrastructure facilities on Russian territory. It was emphasized that the deliberate and targeted attack on civilians carried out recently by the Ukrainian side is unequivocally qualified in international law as terrorism," the Kremlin said.

In connection with the line of the Kiev authorities on the liquidation of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the hope was expressed that the Holy See would be more active in supporting freedom of religion at the Ukraine.

"The conversation was constructive. Both sides expressed their intention to continue contacts," the message says.

Putin spoke on the phone with the new Pope Leo XIV for the first time.