Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Urges Vatican to Aid in Repatriating All Prisoners and Deported Children

Andrii Sybiha Meets with Archbishop Gallagher in Kyiv

According to МЗС: Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, held a meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States. The central focus of their talks was humanitarian priorities, including the return of prisoners of war and deported children, the protection of religious heritage, the situation on the battlefield, and avenues for humanitarian cooperation. This dialogue comes at a critical time as Ukraine continues to face ongoing Russian aggression.

During Archbishop Gallagher’s visit, Kyiv came under a massive Russian missile and drone attack. This incident underscored the urgency of discussions on safeguarding religious and cultural sites, as nearly 740 religious structures have been damaged or destroyed since the start of the full-scale invasion. Among the affected sites are:

• Orthodox cathedrals
• Catholic churches
• Protestant prayer houses
• Mosques
• Synagogues

Notably, Russia struck the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, further illustrating the war’s devastating impact on Ukraine’s religious infrastructure.

“I emphasized that one of our highest humanitarian priorities remains ensuring the return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians, and every deported Ukrainian child.”

Andrii Sybiha

Beyond humanitarian topics, the meeting covered the battlefield situation and Ukraine’s peace efforts. It is important to note that amid ongoing hostilities, the Kremlin is also expanding its campaign to recruit mercenaries worldwide, particularly in Africa-a development that has raised international concern. The Sybiha-Gallagher meeting marked a significant step in strengthening global support for Ukraine in the face of aggression.

Global Relevance of the Meeting

This meeting holds importance not only for Ukraine but also for the international community, as discussions on humanitarian issues and the protection of religious heritage highlight the ongoing need for global solidarity during wartime. The repatriation of prisoners of war and deported children remains one of the most sensitive and urgent matters, one that will also shape the future trajectory of relations between Ukraine and the Holy See.

As discussions on humanitarian priorities continue, the situation for Ukraine's children remains dire. In a related context, the call for international support has intensified, with officials urging protection for Ukrainian children from ongoing threats. This highlights the broader implications of the current crisis and the urgent need for global action.