Putin bows to Pope’s peace push, blasts Ukraine of terror strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked Pope Leo for his mediation offer while accusing Ukraine of escalating the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Kremlin said both leaders spoke by telephone, though the exact date of their conversation was not publicly disclosed.

During their discussion, Pope Leo proposed Vatican-hosted peace talks and pledged humanitarian assistance in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict peacefully.

The Kremlin confirmed gratitude was expressed to the Pope for offering to depoliticize humanitarian issues affecting civilians in both countries.

Putin used the call to accuse the Ukrainian government of sabotaging Russian infrastructure and fueling terrorism through violent cross-border operations.

He claimed Ukrainian forces had intensified attacks on civilian areas inside Russia, describing the actions as deliberate attempts to provoke escalation.

Putin reiterated that Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations remain unacceptable and that neutrality is essential for ending the war permanently.

The Kremlin said addressing these core political concerns is critical to establishing any sustainable agreement between both countries involved in conflict.

Though Russia maintains diplomatic relations with the Vatican, doubts remain about its suitability as a neutral negotiation ground due to Orthodoxy.

Russian officials continue to question Vatican impartiality, citing historical and religious affiliations between both Russia and Ukraine with Orthodox Christianity.

Despite the reservations, the Kremlin acknowledged limited success in ongoing humanitarian negotiations with Ukraine on issues including prisoner exchanges and casualties.

It added that both Russian and Ukrainian delegations had made progress concerning repatriation of fallen soldiers under international humanitarian law.

Russia also urged the Vatican to support religious freedoms of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church historically aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Kremlin accused Kyiv of violating religious rights by prosecuting clergy for alleged collaboration and political loyalty to Russian authorities.

Putin expressed concerns about increasing restrictions on Moscow-affiliated churches and warned of worsening persecution under the Ukrainian government’s new policies.

Since the war began, Ukraine’s independent Orthodox Church has grown significantly, diminishing Moscow’s religious influence across Ukrainian territories.

The Kremlin emphasized Russia’s interest in diplomatic dialogue but claimed Kyiv continues to act against peace initiatives with aggressive military tactics.

It remains unclear whether Pope Leo’s proposal will lead to formal negotiations or influence diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Russian strikes continue across Ukraine as Ukraine carries out counterattacks near contested frontlines, with casualties rising on both sides.

Putin’s comments followed intensified drone and missile exchanges, as both militaries prepare for prolonged confrontations throughout the coming months.

The Kremlin closed its statement by reaffirming Russia’s commitment to protecting national sovereignty, territorial security, and Orthodox Christian heritage in Ukraine.