Pope Leo Secures Putin Agreement on Ukraine Aid Ceasefire most dangerous countries

Pope Leo XIV called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to urge a humanitarian ceasefire allowing aid into the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, with Putin agreeing to cooperate in most dangerous countries. [1] The pontiff expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Oleshky and called for a safe evacuation of civilians while recovering from lung cancer surgery. [2] [3]

Papal Call for Ceasefire in Oleshky

Pope Leo XIV called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to urge a humanitarian ceasefire allowing aid into the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, with Putin agreeing to cooperate. [1] The pontiff expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Oleshky and called for a safe evacuation of civilians while recovering from lung cancer surgery. [2] Putin agrees to cooperate with the plea for aid for the Ukrainian town. [1] The call focused on delivering needed humanitarian aid into the occupied city amid the ongoing conflict. [3] Sources confirm the agreement came directly from the conversation between the two leaders on Friday. [2]

Putin's Stance on Security Zone

Putin says Russia is building a non-negotiable security zone in Ukraine along the border. [4] This declaration underscores Russia's position that the zone remains non-negotiable as part of its security measures. [4] The statement aligns with broader Russian actions along the border area in Ukraine. [4]

Pope Leo XIV speaks on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine aid ceasefire. — Source: anadolu

Zelenskyy Criticizes US-Russian Diesel Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday criticised US President Donald Trump's deal to import Russian diesel, warning that the agreement would channel more money to Moscow to fund its war against Ukraine. [5] He warned that the diesel deal could open the door to Russia sanctions relief. [5] Zelenskyy stated that cash will start flowing back into Russia through the diesel deal and that this will put more money straight into Putin’s pocket to fund this war. [5] The deal risks paving the way for further sanctions relief for Russia. [5] Zelenskyy also warned that the agreement could lead to further economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow, including potential deals involving Russian gas and the lifting of sanctions. [5] He added that gas deals will follow and that sanctions will be lifted on other things as well after gas, extending to the banking system, individuals and the chemical industry. [5]

Zelenskyy's Appeal for Increased EU Support most dangerous countries

Speaking on the sidelines of a European Union summit in Brussels, Zelenskyy urged European allies to step up their support for Kyiv. [5] The war will cost €155 billion next year, and Zelenskyy called for at least €70 billion more from European partners for defence, for weapons, and for resilience. [5] He described this as a realistic amount that will help hold Russia back. [5] Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that the EU would probably need to provide Ukraine with a new loan to help cover its budget shortfall next year. [5] Zelenskyy also addressed the consequences of the diesel agreement extending to any arrangement that might result in the return of frozen Russian assets to Moscow. [5]

What to watch next: Zelenskyy reported ongoing disruptions to the Starshield satellite system, which improves but is not fully restored, raising risks for civilians and battlefield operations, while European acknowledgment highlights that it cannot be quickly replaced.

Further Reading

• Ukraine War Map