Zelenskyy Raises Missed Ballistic Warnings With Pope as Vatican Presses Moscow on Oleshky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a discussion with Pope Leo XIV to address critical security challenges connected to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

During the dialogue, Zelenskyy disclosed that international partners failed to provide advance warning to Ukraine regarding recent ballistic attacks on three separate occasions.

The president outlined the risks facing the country, emphasizing the specific hazards caused by gaps in partner intelligence notifications regarding incoming strikes.

“We also talked about all the security challenges and threats that exist right now, including the periodic absence of warnings from partners regarding Russian ballistic attacks, which has already happened three times recently,” Zelenskyy stated.

In addition to intelligence shortcomings, the Ukrainian president detailed the escalation of strikes directed at Ukrainian cities and local populations.

The leaders also addressed the humanitarian catastrophe in the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky, located in the Kherson region. Zelenskyy noted that efforts are underway to establish practical solutions to support the residents remaining in the area.

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War in Ukraine

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“We are working to help our people there. We are preparing a decision. His Holiness informed about contacts with the Russian side on this matter,” Zelenskyy reported.

At the opening of the dialogue, Zelenskyy expressed wishes for the Pope’s full and rapid recovery following a recent surgical procedure. He extended gratitude for the pontiff's ongoing prayers, support for the Ukrainian people, and continuous initiatives aimed at securing peace.

Zelenskyy spoke with Pope Leo XIV about ballistic strike warnings shortly after the pontiff's recent call with Vladimir Putin regarding Oleshky.

Pope Leo XIV held a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the afternoon of October 16 to address deteriorating regional conditions. During the call, the Pope voiced intense concern regarding the severe humanitarian situation in the temporarily occupied city of Oleshky, located in Ukraine's Kherson region.

The Pope appealed for an immediate pause in hostilities to facilitate the delivery of critical food supplies and medical relief, while enabling civilians to safely and voluntarily evacuate the front-line area along the Dnipro River.

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