President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV amid a renewed wave of large-scale Russian attacks across Ukraine.

During the conversation, Russian forces launched hundreds of “Shahed” drones and dozens of missiles targeting multiple regions. The strikes, ongoing since overnight, have hit at least five areas, underscoring what President Zelenskyy described as the absence of “a single hour of peace” for Ukrainians.

President Zelenskyy said the escalation comes in response to Kyiv’s proposal for an Easter ceasefire, accusing Moscow of instead intensifying its assault. He urged the international community not to ignore the attacks and thanked those who continue to speak out against Russia’s actions.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Pontiff also discussed ongoing negotiations, Ukraine’s coordination with U.S. partners, and humanitarian efforts. The president expressed gratitude for the Holy See’s role in assisting the return of deported Ukrainian children and for continued aid, particularly during the winter months.

The conversation touched as well on the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf.

President Zelenskyy extended Easter greetings and renewed an invitation for the Pope to visit Ukraine, thanking him for his continued attention to the country and prayers for peace.