Ukraine asks Pope to speak with Putin as Russia urged to open 'humanitarian corridors' for civilians

Ukraine has asked the Pope to speak with Vladimir Putin about allowing “humanitarian corridors” for citizens affected by the war.

Civilians have been heavily affected by the Russian invasion, with thousands attempting to flee the country altogether, while others have no other option but to stay put.

The announcement was made by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk on live TV on Wednesday as the war enters its seventh day.

She added: "I hope the conversation (between Putin and the Pope) will take place.”

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said that more than 2,000 civilians have died during the first week of the war, though independent confirmation is not possible.

Representatives from Russia and Ukraine sat down for talks earlier this week, but those negotiations ended without finding a ceasefire agreement.

It remains to be seen when the next round of peace talks will take place, with Putin showing no sign of pulling out.