Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pope Leo for offering to help settle the Ukraine conflict and told him Kyiv is intent on "escalating" the war, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. A Kremlin statement said they spoke by phone but did not give a date.

"The Pope made an appeal for Russia to take a gesture that would favor peace, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to create positive contacts between the parties and seek solutions to the conflict,

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Pope Leo for the Vatican's help in resolving the Ukraine conflict, criticized Kyiv's actions, reiterated demands, and discussed humanitarian efforts, religious freedom,