Today, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Iryna Vereshchuk, met with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. The discussion focused on the return from Russian captivity of civilians, children, and military personnel, and an agreement was reached on close cooperation. Ms. Vereshchuk also moderated Cardinal Zuppi’s meeting with representatives of NGOs of families of prisoners, during which lists were handed over and the pain and hopes of families were shared.

In this context, an important part of the visit was Iryna Vereshchuk’s meeting with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The central topic of the talks was the return from Russian captivity of prisoners of war, civilians, and children.

In Rome, Ms. Vereshchuk also met with the Sant’Egidio Community, where discussions focused on support for evacuated elderly people and persons with disabilities, as well as assistance to the families of civilian prisoners.