Ukrainian Ambassador Tetyana Izhevska discussed latest developments in Donbas with head of the Holy See Foreign Department

Ukrainian Ambassador to the Holy See Tetiana Izhevska met with the newly appointed Secretary for International Relations of the Holy See Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.

During the meeting the sides discussed the latest developments in Donbas, issues of bilateral cooperation, ways of interaction within international organizations, as well as the upcoming visit to the Vatican of the Catholic Bishops of Eastern and Western rites from Ukraine, which will take place from 16 to 21 February 2015.

The Ambassador of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the Holy See by constant appeals for peace in Ukraine, support for territorial integrity and prayers for those who suffer as a result of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. “The symbol of this support of the Holy See for thousands of Ukrainian became the original Image of Jesus Christ from Pope Francis’ personal sacristy, which stays in Ukraine these days,” said Tetiana Izhevska.

The Ambassador informed the newly appointed Secretary for International Relations on the existing cases of illegal detention of citizens of Ukraine in the occupied territories and in Russian prisons and asked for assistance.

The sides also exchanged views on the prospects of interfaith dialogue in Ukraine and the situation of minorities in the context of current events, as reported by the Embassy of Ukraine to the Holy See.