In a rare and revealing conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke directly with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, sharing unfiltered views on Ukraine’s current military strategy and calling attention to what he claims is Kiev’s deliberate escalation of the conflict.
According to the Kremlin’s official statement, the call was “constructive” and touched on several major flashpoints — chief among them, Ukraine’s alleged sabotage of civilian infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Putin pointed to recent incidents in Bryansk and Kursk regions, calling them acts of terrorism rather than legitimate military operations.
At a time when Moscow and Kiev have resumed direct talks — including a recent round in Istanbul where they reportedly agreed on prisoner exchanges and repatriation of the dead — Putin claimed that Ukraine is doubling down on violence. He painted the Ukrainian leadership as not only intransigent but dangerously provocative.
He also reiterated what’s become a cornerstone of Russia’s public position: that it is open to peace, but only if the “root causes” of the war are addressed. Putin’s version of peace, however, continues to clash with how much of the international community views the invasion in the first place.
The Pope, newly seated in the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis on April 21, reportedly listened attentively and expressed willingness to mediate humanitarian issues. This marks a notable early move by Pope Leo XIV — Cardinal Robert Prevost before his elevation — and suggests he may play a more active role on the global stage than his predecessor in some areas.
Putin also used the call to shine a spotlight on another topic he considers urgent: what he described as religious persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the authorities in Kiev. He urged the Holy See to step in and defend religious freedoms in the region.
In a closing note of diplomacy, both leaders expressed hope to strengthen Russia-Vatican ties and join efforts to protect Christian communities globally — a theme often touched upon by the Kremlin when discussing international alliances outside the typical Western framework.
While the Vatican has yet to release a detailed summary of the call, this conversation may prove to be more than symbolic. With the Pope now cast as a potential intermediary, the world will be watching what, if anything, comes next.
