President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Head of State expressed his condolences over the passing of Pope Francis and noted that Ukraine values his prayers for our country and for peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pietro Parolin paid particular attention to the path toward a just and lasting peace. The President informed about the joint diplomatic efforts of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and other countries around the world aimed at achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, which must be the first step.
The Head of State thanked the Secretary of State for his position regarding Ukraine’s right to self-defense and the inadmissibility of imposing peace terms on a country that has been attacked.
Ukraine counts on the Holy See to continue playing an important role in uniting international efforts to achieve peace, facilitate the return of Ukrainian children illegally displaced and deported by Russia, and secure the release of prisoners.
