Pope Leo XIV welcomed the successful completion of a humanitarian mission in Oleshky in the Kherson region and expressed hope that the parties’ co-operation would lead to new initiatives for peace.
The Pontiff said this after prayers in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Vatican News reports.
“In recent days, a humanitarian mission was carried out for the benefit of the civilian population of the city of Oleshky. I hope that the co-operation between the parties, which made this necessary humanitarian gesture possible, will help strengthen the desire for dialogue and lead to new concrete initiatives in the interests of peace,” the Pope said.
Leo XIV also urged the faithful to pray to the Virgin Mary for all those suffering from wars in different parts of the world.
What is known about the humanitarian operation in Oleshky in the Kherson region?
From 27 October, a humanitarian ceasefire regime was established in occupied Oleshky and the surrounding area. The agreement was reached through the mediation of US First Lady Melania Trump.
The ceasefire regime is due to last until 22:59 on 1 November. No violations of the agreement were recorded.
On 29 October a Ukrainian delegation travelled to Oleshky. On the morning of 30 October, it arrived with humanitarian aid. Russians and representatives of Belarus also arrived. Ukraine asked for the evacuation process to be overseen by the American side.
For the evacuation from Oleshky, 25 buses with 750 seats were prepared, and ambulances are available for people with limited mobility. Those who wish to stay will be provided with humanitarian support.
Ukrainians evacuated from temporarily occupied Oleshky and the surrounding community in the Kherson region crossed the state border in the Chernihiv region on 31 October. All those rescued will be given the necessary assistance.