• Pope Leo urged steps towards peace during his first call with Putin.
• The Kremlin claims Ukraine is escalating the conflict and engaging in sabotage.
• The call emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid and dialogue.

Pope Leo spoke with President Vladimir Putin on June 4, urging him to take meaningful steps towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This conversation marks the first between the pontiff and the Russian leader since Leo assumed his role less than a month ago. The Vatican described the call as an opportunity to emphasize the necessity of dialogue in achieving a peaceful resolution and sought to foster positive interactions between the conflicting parties, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and Reuters.

The Kremlin reiterated its stance that “the regime in Kyiv is betting on an escalation of the conflict” and accused Ukraine of conducting sabotage against Russian civilian infrastructure. Putin reaffirmed his commitment to peace through diplomacy while also stating that addressing the conflict’s root causes, which include demands for Ukraine's military limitations and its NATO membership, is essential for a comprehensive settlement. Ukrainian officials have steadfastly rejected these demands, calling for an unconditional ceasefire, according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Discussions during the call also included the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for increased aid where necessary. The two leaders touched upon a large-scale prisoner exchange currently being negotiated between Russia and Ukraine, marking another aspect of potential collaboration. Throughout this dialogue, the Vatican expressed gratitude toward Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill for his congratulatory message at the beginning of Leo's papacy, highlighting a desire for cooperative efforts on humanitarian fronts, as noted by Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The Pope's message of peace comes amid a backdrop of complex international relations, with discussions of hosting peace talks at the Vatican raised in previous dialogues. However, Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, have expressed skepticism about the Vatican's viability as a site for Orthodox dialogue regarding the conflict. Despite these challenges, the Vatican remains committed to working towards reducing tensions and fostering dialogue between the involved parties, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and Reuters.