MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin provided Pope Leo XIV with a detailed explanation of the difficult humanitarian situation in the city of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region and said that Kiev was responsible for the situation, the Kremlin press service said following the call.

"In response to the pontiff’s expressed concern for the fate of civilians in the Russian city of Alyoshki in the Kherson Region, a comprehensive explanation was provided regarding the Kiev regime’s responsibility for the difficult humanitarian situation there," the statement said.

Putin also backed the Vatican’s intention to help create conditions to ensure the safety of the city’s residents and organize vital supplies. "The sides agreed to cooperate on this matter. The conversation was held in a constructive and mutually respectful manner," the Kremlin concluded.