Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV’s special envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, discussed humanitarian issues and prisoner exchanges during a three-day visit to Moscow and personally met with Ukrainian servicemen held in Russian captivity, Reuters reports.
During talks with Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Vatican envoy discussed prospects for resolving the conflict, as well as humanitarian issues, including the return of displaced children and arrangements for prisoner-of-war exchanges.
The sides also discussed the situation in the city of Oleshky, Kherson region. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that the Ukrainian side was blocking attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to residents of the city, while Ukrainian authorities say Russia is preventing civilians from leaving.
During the trip, Cardinal Zuppi was given the opportunity to visit Ukrainian servicemen held in Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry said the Vatican cardinal spoke personally with the prisoners and observed their detention conditions. The ministry said the three days of consultations confirmed the constructive nature of dialogue between the Holy See and Russia, as well as both sides’ readiness to continue cooperation.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Pope Leo XIV called for concessions for the sake of peace in Ukraine.
