Pope Leo phones Putin from hospital just three days after lung cancer surgery to plead for besieged Ukrainian town

Vladimir Putin has agreed to coordinate with the Vatican on aid deliveries to Oleshky, the Kremlin said, though its statement was silent on any ceasefire. About 2,000 civilians are stranded in the Russian-held Kherson town, among them roughly 40 children. Food deliveries have been blocked by mines and drones since May, leaving the town without electricity, gas or running water.

Putin attributed the town's plight to "the Kyiv regime" and extended wishes for Leo's swift recovery.

Leo, 71, had surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where surgeons excised the lower lobe of his right lung.

The Pope has also led Mass in a hospital chapel jury-rigged for the purpose, and is said to be considering appearing for Sunday's Angelus.