Zelenskyy discussed return of Ukrainian prisoners of war with Pope Francis

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. The Head of State discussed with the Pontiff the return of Ukrainians captured by Russian invaders to their homeland.

This was published by Zelenskyy via Telegram on Friday, October 11.

The death of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna

"For all of us in Ukraine, everything related to captured and deported people remain an extremely painful issue. These are adults and children, many civilians, who are now in prisons and camps in Russia," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy confirmed tragic news about Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in captivity in Russia yesterday. For many Ukrainian journalists who knew Viktoria, her death was a real blow, he added. 

The Head of State reminded that many other journalists, public figures, community leaders from the occupied territory of our country still remain in Russian captivity. There are also ordinary people who were captured during the Russian occupation.

Meeting with Pope Francis

In this regard, Zelenskyy emphasized that the return of Ukrainians from captivity was the main topic of his meeting with Pope Francis.

"We are counting on the Holy See's support for the return of Ukrainians held in Russian captivity," Zelenskyy said.

In addition, the President informed the Pope about the work on the implementation of the Peace Formula, in particular, the ministerial conference on the return of captured and deported Ukrainians, which will be held in Canada on October 30-31. In turn, Zelenskyy invited a representative of the Vatican to participate in this event. 

The President also told Pope Francis that there are wounded, seriously ill, women and children in Russian captivity. In particular, the number of captured women exceeds 400 people.

"Russia continues to forcibly relocate our Ukrainian children from one occupied area to another. It also continues to deport our Ukrainian children to Russia," Zelenskyy emphasized. 

The President emphasized that almost everyone returning from captivity needs medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

At the end of the meeting, the Pope presented Zelenskyy with a bronze plaque depicting a flower growing next to a bird with the inscription "Peace is a fragile flower". In return, Zelenskyy presented Francis with a painting "The Massacre in Bucha. The Story of Marichka".

On October 10, Zelenskyy met with French President Emmanuel Macron, presenting him with a detailed Plan for Ukraine's Victory.

Previously, Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders discussed Ukraine's Victory Plan and agreed to work on it together with allies.