Today at 13:46
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, to discuss the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and deported children held by Russia, UATV English reports.
In a post on X, Sybiha thanked the Holy See for its continued solidarity with the Ukrainian people, its humanitarian efforts and its moral leadership in supporting peace, human dignity and international law.
“One of our highest humanitarian priorities remains securing the return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and every deported Ukrainian child,” Sybiha said.
The foreign minister also highlighted the destruction of Ukraine’s religious heritage, noting that nearly 740 religious sites representing various faiths and denominations—including Orthodox and Catholic churches, Protestant places of worship, mosques, synagogues and other religious buildings—have been damaged or destroyed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Sybiha stressed 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 those efforts.
During the meeting, he also briefed Archbishop Gallagher on the battlefield situation, Ukraine’s peace initiatives and Europe’s growing role in advancing a comprehensive and lasting peace.
The two sides further discussed ways to counter Russia’s recruitment of vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa, through cooperation with international partners and religious leaders, as well as expanding humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Holy See.
Archbishop Gallagher is visiting Ukraine as a special envoy of Pope Leo XIV and has held a series of meetings focused on humanitarian issues and support for those affected by Russia’s war.
Read Also: Ukraine Says Kerch Ferry Crossing Operating at 25% Capacity After July Strikes
