Vatican chief urges Oleshky truce to expand into full peace talks

Pope Leo stated on Sunday that the recent cooperation between Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky should boost their willingness to negotiate a wider peace deal.

The pontiff addressed the issue during his Sunday prayer. He described the recent truce as a necessary humanitarian gesture. He said the joint effort to manage the pause could lead to fresh concrete initiatives for peace.

The six-day ceasefire in Oleshky was agreed upon by both nations on October 23. The pause allows aid deliveries and evacuations from the frontline town. Oleshky has faced acute shortages of food and medicine.

US First Lady Melania Trump brokered the agreement. Pope Leo also helped facilitate the deal. The Vatican stated the arrangement was designed to help the civilian population.

Pope Leo spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on October 16. The Kremlin reported that Putin supported the Vatican initiative to deliver supplies to Oleshky. Putin said he was ready to cooperate with the plan.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister, clarified the Vatican's role on Tuesday. He said the Vatican did not directly arrange the six-day ceasefire. He noted that the Pope's recent calls with both leaders were distinct from the final agreement.

Zelenskiy said peace negotiators will meet for fresh talks in early November.