President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the prayers for Ukraine and peace, as well as for the moral support extended to the Ukrainian people; he also wished Pope Francis a speedy recovery.
Our state is also grateful to the Vatican for its assistance in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia and is counting on support in freeing Ukrainians held in Russian prisons and camps. The Ukrainian side has provided the Holy See with a list of those persons.
The President emphasized that the exchange of prisoners and an unconditional 30-day ceasefire are the first swift steps that can significantly bring everyone closer to a just and lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to take these steps, as the Ukrainian people want peace more than anyone. At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia deliberately sets conditions that complicate and delay the processes, aiming to prolong the war and break the diplomatic efforts.
The President thanked the Holy See for its willingness to exert efforts towards establishing a just and lasting peace.