Overview

• President Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV held their first substantive phone call, described as warm and productive.
• The two leaders discussed Ukraine's agreement to a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire beginning immediately.
• Key topics included the deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russia, with Ukraine seeking the Vatican's assistance in securing their return.
• Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for further peace negotiations and invited the Pope to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine.
• Both sides agreed to maintain regular contact and plan an in-person meeting in the near future.