The year 2025 marked a period of particular responsibility for the Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, shaped by profound suffering, major challenges, and at the same time by hope. Throughout the year, the focus of the Embassy’s work remained unwavering: Ukraine, its people, and the inalienable right to live in freedom, dignity, and a just peace.
Over the course of the year, Ukraine’s voice continued to resonate in the Vatican. At high and the highest institutional levels, attention was consistently drawn to Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and its humanitarian consequences — shattered lives, deported children, prisoners of war and civilian hostages, and the deep pain of Ukrainian families torn apart by the war. This dialogue was conducted in the language of truth and responsibility toward human dignity.
A significant sign of support was reflected in the meetings of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and representatives of Ukrainian state institutions with the Holy Father, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, and the heads of Vatican institutions. An important role throughout the year was also played by the ongoing and constructive dialogue with the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, developed in the spirit of humanitarian cooperation, practical solidarity, and a shared commitment to peace and the protection of human dignity.
Prayer and spiritual solidarity held a central place in 2025. In the basilicas of Rome and the Vatican, liturgical celebrations and moments of prayer were dedicated to peace in Ukraine, to the victims of the Holodomor genocide of 1932–1933, to the liberation of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, and to the return of deported Ukrainian children. These moments brought together members of the diplomatic corps, clergy, the Ukrainian community, and friends of Ukraine from around the world.
Humanitarian initiatives, particularly those focused on supporting Ukrainian children affected by the war, became a key dimension of the year. Programs of recovery, rest, and psychological support, as well as meetings between Ukrainian children and the Pope, served as powerful symbols of care, compassion, and hope — hope that cannot be extinguished even in the darkest circumstances.
Throughout 2025, culture and the arts also played an important role in public diplomacy. Exhibitions, film screenings, and artistic projects in Rome and the Vatican conveyed to the international community the tragedy of the Ukrainian people, their historical memory, and their enduring resilience, complementing political and humanitarian efforts through the language of images and symbols.
The Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta expresses its sincere gratitude to the Holy See, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the clergy, the diplomatic corps, humanitarian organizations, and all those who stood with Ukraine throughout 2025 through prayer, concrete action, and solidarity.
The year 2025 reaffirmed the power of unity and the importance of shared responsibility for peace. The Embassy continues its work with faith, hope, and a firm belief in the triumph of light over darkness.