The conversation with Zelensky comes three days after the pope spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin to call for a ceasefire to evacuate civilians from the front-line town.

Key developments on Oct. 19:

• Ukraine evacuates wounded soldier from front line by drone for first time, military says
• Ukraine brings home 23 children from Russian occupation
• Ukraine, Russia nearing agreement on evacuation of civilians from occupied Oleshky, ombudsman says
• 3 waves of Russian missiles slam Kyiv overnight, killing at

The two sides are discussing a local ceasefire to allow residents to be evacuated directly to Ukrainian-controlled territory, Lubinets said on Oct. 18.