Sybiha thanks Order of Malta for supporting Ukraine
According to Dr. Andrii Yurash, Ukraine's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See and the Order of Malta, this meeting was a continuation of previous discussions between the two officials, who first met in September 2022 in New York during the UN General Assembly session.
The Ukrainian delegation expressed sincere gratitude for the substantial humanitarian, moral, and diplomatic assistance that Ukraine consistently receives from the Order. Minister Andrii Sybiha specifically acknowledged and praised the presence and active work of the Order’s structures in Ukraine, which were established even before the country gained independence.
The Order’s humanitarian efforts have been significant since the onset of Russian aggression in 2014 and have intensified since the full-scale invasion began. In 2022 and 2023 alone, approximately 70% of the Order’s budget was allocated to aid for Ukraine, marking its largest humanitarian operation since World War II.
Minister Andrii Sybiha highlighted the recent assistance received from the Order in January and February of this year, when Ukrainian civilians faced some of the toughest challenges since the war began due to Russian attacks on the energy grid. He expressed hope for continued systematic cooperation and increased assistance, which would allow Ukraine not only to grow stronger but also to serve as a bastion for the principles of freedom for all of Europe and the world.
After thanking the Order for implementing several specific projects, particularly those aimed at improving the living conditions of internally displaced persons across various regions, the minister assured that Ukraine is prepared to take concrete steps and collaborate with the Order at the global diplomatic level. Ukraine’s primary objective is to achieve a just peace, and assistance from any party or state is invaluable in this effort.
Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo emphasized that while the Order maintains neutrality in global political matters, it is not indifferent to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. Consequently, the Order has taken and will continue to take steps to support Ukraine in becoming more resilient. Additionally, it aims to assist Ukraine's leaders in exploring pathways to peace and, ultimately, to help heal the wounds of war.
The Grand Chancellor also stated that the Order regards all of Ukraine's requests and proposals to strengthen humanitarian cooperation with great favor and attention.
At the end of their meeting, Andrii Sybiha and Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo exchanged commemorative gifts. The minister also invited the Grand Chancellor to make an official visit to Ukraine.
