Visvaldas Kulbokas, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, visited areas affected by the nighttime missile strike. In a statement to Vatican media, he expressed his prayers for the victims and for the conversion of the aggressor.
This was reported by Vatican Radio.
On the night of July 1–2, 2026, the Russian army launched a coordinated strike on Ukrainian cities, focusing primarily on the capital, Kyiv. At least 30 people were killed, and more than 90 were injured, with damage reported across all districts of the city.
In a statement to Vatican media, Visvaldas Kulbokas noted that Russia has already conducted hundreds, if not thousands, of attacks on Ukrainian cities. He emphasized that “every strike, including the one that occurred last night, means more lives are being destroyed.”
“People are still trapped beneath the rubble of the destroyed buildings I just visited,” he said, adding, “I prayed for the victims and for the rescuers. I also prayed for Russia, that the Lord may grant it the grace to turn from war to peace.”
Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskiy, the auxiliary bishop of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, spoke to Vatican media about the aftermath of the shelling in the capital. He described the current situation as extremely difficult: “What we are experiencing right now are very challenging times — especially tonight. So many people have died, and so many have been wounded,” he stated, noting that many individuals are feeling discouraged.
In this context, he urged the faithful not to lose hope. “Faith requires effort, and that effort must be sustained — despite the sadness, apathy, and despondency that some may be feeling, even to the point of depression, because of what is happening. We must believe that our Lord is good, merciful, and loving. He is with those who suffer, those who are persecuted, and those who weep. He comforts them, comes to their aid, and guides us. As people of faith, we hope that the Lord will lead us through this difficult path toward a brighter future — for our country and for each of us personally.”
The bishop acknowledges that during wartime, we can lose a great deal: our possessions, friends, and homes. However, he emphasizes the importance of not losing our faith and our connection to God through these challenges.
“For if we lose God, what will we have left? Therefore, take heart — do not be afraid! The Lord has overcome evil; He has defeated the devil. Although the devil may try to make a loud display and prove his strength, in reality, he is merely a creation. Above everything — over him and over us — is the Lord. His will is supreme, and He will provide us with help.”