ISTANBUL

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday claimed that Ukraine is “betting” on escalating the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war during his first phone call with Pope Leo XIV.

“Vladimir Putin drew special attention to the fact that the Kyiv regime is betting on escalating the conflict, carrying out sabotage against civilian infrastructure facilities on Russian territory,” said a corresponding statement by the Kremlin on Telegram, which defined the call as “constructive.”

The statement said Putin once again congratulated the pontiff on his election last month, wishing him success in “fulfilling such a high mission.”

It noted that they agreed to continue efforts aimed at further developing ties between Russia and the Holy See “on the basis of unifying spiritual and moral values, in the interests of building a more just world order.”

Putin and Pope Leo exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, the statement said, adding that Putin confirmed his interest in achieving peace through political and diplomatic means, stressing the need to eliminate the “root causes” of the conflict to achieve a “final, fair and comprehensive resolution of the crisis.”

It said the president also reported on the agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine during the second round of Istanbul peace talks on Monday, underlining that Moscow is taking all possible measures to reunite children with their relatives.

“Gratitude was expressed to the Pontiff for his readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, in particular, for the Vatican's participation on a depoliticized basis in resolving pressing humanitarian issues,” it also said.

“Both sides expressed their intention to continue contacts,” the statement added.