There was a phone conversation between Vladimir Putin and Pope Leo XIV. The Russian president called the Pope to discuss the situation in Ukraine and peace.
The conversation between the pontiff and the head of state took place two days after the second round of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations ended in Istanbul.
That meeting in Turkey concluded on June 2nd without a ceasefire agreement, but with a new deal to exchange prisoners.
At the end of May, the largest prisoner exchange of this kind since the beginning of the invasion took place. A total of 780 prisoners were exchanged. This action was a direct result of the first round of dialogue in the Turkish city.
According to Zelensky, in the next round of exchanges, 1,000 prisoners from each side will be involved. The priority is severely wounded soldiers and young people between 18 and 25 years old.
All of this seems to have been part of the phone call between Pope Leo and the Russian leader. The Office of the Kremlin confirmed that Putin informed the Pope about specific agreements regarding the prisoner exchange.
They also noted that the Russian leader emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to reunite children with their families.
As for the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV called on Russia to make a gesture in favor of peace. He also stressed to Putin the importance of dialogue in seeking a solution to the conflict.
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