WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke today by phone with Pope Leo XIV, stating that Ukraine aims to escalate the conflict and carries out sabotage on Russian territory, according to the Kremlin.
"Vladimir Putin specifically drew attention to the fact that the Kyiv regime is betting on escalating the conflict and conducting sabotage against civilian infrastructure facilities on Russian territory," the statement said.
It was added that Putin emphasized that "the deliberate and targeted attack on civilians" carried out by Ukraine is classified under international law as an act of terrorism.
The Kremlin reported that Putin informed the Pope about the agreements reached during negotiations in Istanbul, including the exchange of prisoners of war, according to RIA Novosti.
The Kremlin also stated that Putin said the Russian side is taking all possible measures to reunite Ukrainian children with their families. He also thanked the Pope for the Vatican’s assistance in addressing humanitarian issues.
At the request of Russian Patriarch Kirill, Putin conveyed to Pope Leo XIV best wishes for success in his role as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, while the Pope expressed readiness to continue dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church.
In his first conversation with the Pope, Putin expressed hope that the Vatican would more actively promote freedom of religion in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
The statement noted that Putin and Pope Leo agreed that Russia and the Vatican would strengthen ties based on spiritual values and deepen cooperation in the protection of Christians, especially in the Middle East.
"Both sides acknowledged the significant personal contribution of Pope Francis to strengthening relations between Russia and the Holy See. It was agreed to continue efforts aimed at further developing these ties based on shared spiritual and moral values, in the interest of building a more just world order," the Kremlin said.
It was also noted that Putin and Pope Leo expressed a desire to deepen cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as in the protection of Christians and Christian holy sites in various regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East, according to TASS.
Vatican: Pope Leo XIV Called on Putin to Take Steps Toward Peace in Ukraine
The Vatican stated that the Pope made an appeal to Russia to take actions in favor of peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to create positive contact between the parties and seek a resolution to the conflict.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the Pope and Putin discussed the humanitarian situation, the need to facilitate aid where necessary, and ongoing efforts to exchange prisoners, highlighting the valuable work of Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, in this regard, as reported by Vatican News.
"Pope Leo referred to Patriarch Kirill, thanking him for the congratulations he received at the start of his pontificate, and emphasized how shared Christian values can be a light that helps in the search for peace, the defense of life, and the pursuit of true religious freedom," said Bruni.
