Andriy Yurash: Putin’s Call to the Pope — a Signal of Russia’s Weakening Position on the International Stage

Putin’s call to the Pope became a step that may indicate a weakening of Russia’s position on the international stage and a desire to find new channels for cooperation. This is the opinion of Andriy Yurash, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Vatican. He stated that this move was unexpected, considering that Russia had previously avoided communication with Pope Francis due to his pro-Ukrainian stance. Yurash shared this on his Facebook page.

“Putin called Pope Leo XIV. He never wanted to communicate with Pope Francis, who in Russia was accused of being overly pro-Russian. But now, unexpectedly, Putin wanted to establish contact with a Pope who is more clearly pro-Ukrainian. This can only indicate one thing — that Russia’s positions have weakened, and now it is looking for new points of cooperation and support,” Yurash wrote.

He added that the call took place after Putin’s conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, which, in his opinion, also suggests that the U.S. is trying to convince Russia to recognize the Vatican as a venue for negotiations. The unlocking of communications with the Apostolic See and the rejection of the categorical denial of the Holy See as a negotiation platform may indicate a change in Russia’s diplomatic position.

Yurash emphasized that these events could point to a reconsideration of Russia’s stance toward the Vatican in light of the changing international political situation.

It is also worth noting that on June 4, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Pope Leo XIV. Among other things, the Kremlin leader urged the Pontiff to defend the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and ensure religious freedom in Ukraine.