President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has held conversation with Pope Leo XIV., disclosing his readiness for negotiations in any format, including direct negotiations, and expectations for a response from the Russian Federation.
He made that known on Monday. According to him, they discussed peace, the release of prisoners, the return of children deported by the Russian Federation, and a ceasefire. Zelenskyy said:
“I spoke with Pope Leo XIV. It was our first conversation, but already very warm and truly substantive. I thanked him for his support of Ukraine and all our people. We greatly appreciate His Holiness’s words about the need to achieve a just and lasting peace for our country and the release of people held in captive.
According to the President, they also talked about thousands of Ukrainian children deported by Russia. “Ukraine hopes for the Vatican’s assistance in returning them home, to their families,” he said
Pix: Pope Leo XIV
“I informed about the agreement between Ukraine and our partners that a complete, unconditional ceasefire should begin today for at least 30 days, and also confirmed our readiness for further negotiations in any format, including direct negotiations, which we have repeatedly emphasized. Ukraine wants to end this war and is doing everything for this. We are waiting for appropriate steps from Russia,” he said.
The President disclosed that he “invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine.” “Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers, to all our people,” the Head of State emphasized.
“We agreed to maintain contact and plan a personal meeting in the near future,” Zelenskyy said.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama