Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ceasefire in Oleksiyevka, Putin Blames Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 16, 2026, and called for a ceasefire in Oleksiyevka, a city in the Kherson region of Ukraine. The Vatican stated that a ceasefire would allow for the delivery of food supplies and the evacuation of civilians in the city, which is under Russian control. The Pope expressed 'deep concern' over the humanitarian situation in the city, which is reported as Oleksiyevka by 'the-insider' and 'dnevnik', and as Oleshky by 'nexta'. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the Pope's call for a ceasefire by blaming Ukraine for the situation in the city. The Kremlin reported that Putin wished to discuss the situation in Oleksiyevka during the phone call. The Vatican emphasized that a ceasefire would enable humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians, while 'the-insider' did not mention the Kremlin's response. The city's name is reported as Oleksiyevka in 'the-insider' and 'dnevnik', while 'nexta' refers to it as Oleshky. The event is part of the broader context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, with humanitarian crises in frontline cities. The Pope's call for a ceasefire highlights the role of religious leaders in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts, while the Russian government's response reflects the ongoing tensions and accusations between Russia and Ukraine.