Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Pope Francis' Special Envoy for Peace in Ukraine, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.
Andriy Yermak congratulated the Cardinal on having been awarded the Order of Merit, II class, in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 860/2023.
"This is a recognition of your personal role in supporting Ukraine and the mission to return Ukrainian children. I am very proud of our cooperation and appreciate everything you do for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. I hope that in the near future we will have the opportunity to hand over the award to you," said the Head of the Presidential Office.
Andriy Yermak briefed his interlocutor on the situation in the wake of the massive missile attacks that Russia has carried out against Ukraine over the past ten days.
He noted Matteo Zuppi's participation in the meeting of the International Coalition Bring Kids Back UA and expressed hope that the Holy See would accede to the adopted declaration. The Head of the President's Office also thanked for the initiative regarding the summer vacation of Ukrainian children in Italy.
Andriy Yermak discussed with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi the upcoming meeting of national security advisors and political advisors to the heads of state on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula to be held in Davos, where a session on humanitarian issues is also slated.