Ukraine's foreign minister holds talks in Kyiv with Vatican's top diplomat

Ukraine's acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, in Kyiv for talks on the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians and all deported children.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha said that ensuring the return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, illegally held civilians and every deported Ukrainian child remains one of Ukraine's most important humanitarian priorities.

He also pointed to the urgent need to protect Ukraine's religious and cultural heritage, particularly following Russia's recent strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and called for continued international support for these efforts.

Quote: "I briefed Archbishop Gallagher on the battlefield situation, Ukraine's peace efforts and Europe's growing role in advancing a comprehensive and lasting peace. The Kremlin continues to escalate terror against civilians and is expanding its campaign to recruit mercenaries around the world, including in Africa. We discussed ways to help prevent such exploitation of vulnerable communities through dialogue with partners and religious leaders."

More details: Sybiha and Archbishop Gallagher also discussed further humanitarian cooperation and support.

Background:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with Pope Leo XIV by phone in April, amid a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine.
• Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine in his first Christmas address to thousands of the faithful in St Peter's Square in Rome.

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