Zelenskyy may be unable to attend Pope Francis's funeral, but Ukraine will be represented

Tetyana Oliynyk — Friday, 25 April 2025, 19:46

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may not be able to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, but Ukraine will be represented by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and First Lady Olena Zelenska. 

Source: Interfax-Ukraine citing Zelenskyy

Quote from Zelenskyy: "If I can't make it, Ukraine will be represented at a high level. The minister of foreign affairs and the First Lady will be there. As for me, it was important for me to be here."

Details: Zelenskyy also stated that he has several military meetings scheduled, as well as a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "There are several closed issues related to the strike [the Russian strike on the night of 23-24 April – ed.] and the corresponding steps Ukraine will take. I don’t know how long that will take. If I can make it, I will definitely be there, because I have already said it’s important for Ukraine."

Background: It was previously planned that Zelenskyy would attend the Pope’s funeral. After the Russian strike on the night of 23-24 April, he cut short his visit to South Africa and announced that he was returning to Kyiv.

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