Head of MFA of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was pleased to welcome Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to Kyiv and thanked him for visiting Ukraine at a time when Russia continues to intensify its terror against our civilians.  

During his visit, Kyiv came under yet another massive Russian missile and drone attack. No briefing can convey the reality of this war better than witnessing it firsthand. 

I expressed gratitude for the Holy See's unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people, its humanitarian efforts, and its consistent moral leadership in support of peace, human dignity, and international law. 

I stressed that one of our highest humanitarian priorities remains securing the return of all Ukrainian prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians, and every deported Ukrainian child. 

Russia is waging war not only against Ukraine, but also against faith itself. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, nearly 740 religious sites of different faiths and denominations—including Orthodox churches, Catholic churches, Protestant places of worship, mosques, synagogues, and other religious buildings—have been damaged or destroyed by Russian attacks.  

I also emphasized the urgent need to protect Ukraine's religious and cultural heritage, particularly after Russia's recent strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and called for continued international support in these efforts. 

I briefed Archbishop Gallagher on the battlefield situation, Ukraine's peace efforts, and Europe's growing role in advancing a comprehensive and lasting peace.  

The Kremlin continues to escalate terror against civilians and expanding its campaign to recruit mercenaries around the world, including in Africa. We discussed ways to help prevent such exploitation of vulnerable communities through dialogue with partners and religious leaders. 

We also discussed further humanitarian cooperation and support."