The Apostolic Nunciature in Ukraine is contacted multiple times a day by families or associations of families seeking help in finding their loved ones who are missing or imprisoned, many of whom are civilians.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, stated this in a commentary to the Vatican media, Vatican News reports.
The recent prisoner exchange was significant, as it involved 1,000 prisoners on each side. The return of these individuals brought immense joy to their families and communities. This exchange is largely viewed as a direct result of the negotiations held in Istanbul on May 16. While political issues remain unresolved, the dialogue has proven beneficial from a humanitarian perspective. This outcome is indeed positive.
However, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, acknowledges that the greatest difficulty concerns civilians and the children. In this context, facilitating an exchange is nearly impossible because Ukraine lacks individuals to offer in return.
"Therefore, often, paradoxically, it is easier to exchange military prisoners of war because Ukraine can offer something in return. This is not the case for civilians. Thus, we need to intensify both our prayer and our efforts," said Archbishop Kulbokas.