On February 18, during the general audience at the Vatican, wives and mothers of Ukrainian prisoners of war appealed to Pope Leo XIV, holding photographs of their relatives and lists of those still held in Russian captivity. In a deeply moving moment, they asked for one thing only - to bring them all home. Their grief became a shared prayer and a sign of hope for the international community.

On the same day, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with representatives of Ukrainian non-governmental organizations to discuss the issue of prisoners of war. Family members spoke about the fate of their loved ones, stressing that their swift return must remain the top priority.

The discussions focused on the need to ensure access for international humanitarian organizations to places of detention, respect for international humanitarian law, and increased international pressure on Russia to comply with its legal obligations.

The release of Ukrainian prisoners of war is a distinctly humanitarian matter that requires a consolidated international effort.

The Embassy of Ukraine expresses its gratitude for the attention given to this issue and for the solidarity shown with the families of Ukraine’s defenders who await the return of their loved ones.

Photos with Pope Leo XIV were provided by Vatican Media.