Putin however also claimed “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”, it said in a statement.
He did so “underlining that in order to come to a definitive, just and comprehensive settlement to the crisis, it was necessary to eliminate the deep-seated causes”.
Ukraine has rejected those calls and demanded an unconditional ceasefire, which Russia refuses.
After taking office, the pontiff offered to mediate between leaders of countries at war -- an offer that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later said meant hosting Ukraine peace talks at the Vatican.
On Wednesday, Putin thanked Leo for “his willingness to contribute to a settlement” of the conflict, the Kremlin said.
The Vatican said in a statement that during the call with Putin, “the pope made an appeal for Russia to make a gesture that favours peace”.
The two men talked about the humanitarian situation and the need to favour aid where necessary, and the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
He “emphasised how common Christian values can be a light that helps to seek peace, defend life and seek true religious freedom”, the Vatican statement said.
More than three years into Russia's grinding invasion, which has cost tens of thousands of lives, Russia and Ukraine have opened direct talks searching for a way to end what has become Europe's largest conflict since World War II.
At a second round of negotiations on Monday, the two sides swapped documents with their terms for a ceasefire and agreed a large-scale prisoner exchange, which could go forward this weekend.
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