In a Wednesday telephone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pope Leo talked about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to the Kremlin, President Putin expressed his interest in achieving peace through diplomatic channels.

However, President Putin also asserted that “the regime in Kyiv is betting on an escalation of the conflict and carrying out of acts of sabotage against civil infrastructure on Russian territory,” as stated by the kremlin.

The Kremlin described the call as “constructive,” noting that President Putin “reaffirmed his interest in bringing about peace by political and diplomatic means.”

President putin emphasized that “in order to come to a definitive, just and extensive settlement to the crisis, it was necessary to eliminate the deep-seated causes.”

“the regime in Kyiv is betting on an escalation of the conflict and carrying out of acts of sabotage against civil infrastructure on Russian territory”

These statements echo previous demands from Russia, which include limiting Ukraine’s military capabilities, preventing the country from joining NATO, and ceding significant territory.

Ukraine has consistently rejected these demands,calling for an unconditional ceasefire,which Russia has refused to implement.

Recently, Ukraine has launched several attacks within Russian territory, including strikes targeting warplanes stationed at Russian airfields.

Earlier this week, representatives from Russia and Ukraine exchanged proposals for ending the three-year war during negotiations held in Istanbul.

Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of ukraine in February 2022. Pope Leo has reportedly offered to host peace talks between the two nations.

President Putin expressed his gratitude to Pope Leo for “his willingness to contribute to a settlement” of the conflict, according to the Kremlin.