On July 20, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher in Kyiv.

The Minister thanked the Archbishop for visiting Ukraine and expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its solidarity with the Ukrainian people, humanitarian assistance, and consistent support for peace, human dignity, and international law. Particular attention was given to the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians, and deported children.

Andrii Sybiha emphasized the need to protect Ukraine’s religious and cultural heritage. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian attacks have damaged or destroyed approximately 740 religious buildings belonging to various faiths and denominations.

The Minister briefed his interlocutor on the battlefield situation and Ukraine’s peace efforts. The parties also discussed ways to counter Russia’s recruitment of mercenaries worldwide, particularly in Africa, as well as further humanitarian cooperation.