Ukraine: President Zelensky thanks Pope Leo XIV and invites him to Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at a time when the Russians once again struck Ukraine with hundreds of “shaheds” and dozens of missiles. This was reported on the president's website.

The Head of State emphasized that the attack has effectively continued in waves since the night before, with at least five regions already targeted by Russia. “Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia’s response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire. Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation,” the President stressed. Volodymyr Zelensky noted that this cannot be ignored and thanked everyone around the world who is not remaining silent.

During the conversation, they discussed the negotiation process and the work with the American team, as well as the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. The Head of State thanked His Holiness for his assistance in returning abducted Ukrainian children and for all the humanitarian aid the Vatican has provided to Ukrainians, particularly during this difficult winter. The President wished the Pope and all those celebrating Easter this Sunday, April 5, a blessed holiday and peace.

“Of course, we would be glad to welcome His Holiness to Ukraine on an apostolic visit. And I am especially grateful that the Pope remembers Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and prays for peace for our nation,” Volodymyr Zelensky said. (Quelle: www.risu.ua, 3. April 2026)