During a working visit to Rome, Ukraine’s parliamentary speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, underscoring the Holy See’s growing role in international efforts to end the war.

Stefanchuk thanked the Cardinal for the Holy See’s sustained attention to Ukraine, noting that recent high-level contacts have once again highlighted the Vatican’s significance in promoting a just and lasting peace. The Speaker emphasized that moral authority and diplomatic engagement remain critical at a moment when global unity is being tested.

Cardinal Parolin said the Holy See hopes for the swift end of a tragedy that has dragged on for far too long, and stressed that Russia’s actions constitute a violation of international law.

The Ukrainian parliamentary leader expressed gratitude for continued prayers, support for humanitarian initiatives, and concrete steps aimed at securing the return of Ukrainian children illegally taken by Russia, as well as prisoners of war and civilian hostages.

Stefanchuk briefed Cardinal Parolin on Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic consultations with the United States and European partners. He made clear that Kyiv’s objective remains a just peace, not a temporary pause that would allow Russia to regroup.

“There can be no territorial concessions, and no direct or indirect recognition of temporarily occupied territories,” Stefanchuk said. “Any ceasefire is possible only as part of a comprehensive settlement, backed by credible guarantees.”

The two sides also discussed Europe’s role in the peace process, with Stefanchuk calling for continued support for coordinated peace initiatives and for preserving international unity.

Thanking Cardinal Parolin for his attention, moral support, and open dialogue, Stefanchuk acknowledged that the path to a just peace will be difficult—but argued it grows closer with the backing of reliable partners.