The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a discussion with Pope Leo XIV regarding the urgent matters of repatriating Ukrainian children deported by Russia and the release of both prisoners of war and civilian hostages.
This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
"During my recent work trip to Rome, I had the privilege of visiting the Vatican and meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. We talked about the pressing humanitarian challenges we face, focusing on how to enhance international efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully taken to Russia, as well as Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. This is a critical issue that requires our collective attention and action," Stefanchuk wrote on Facebook on Friday.
According to Stefanchuk, he briefed His Holiness on Ukraine's ongoing discussions with the United States and European allies, highlighting the crucial need for coordinated efforts and sustained international solidarity.
"I made it clear that Ukraine is committed to peace, but not at the expense of accepting the aggressor's conditions — no concessions and no normalization of the occupation of our land," Stefanchuk remarked.