Called on the Vatican to join Ukraine's peace plan: Zelenskyy meets with the Pope's special representative. Photos and videos

On June 6, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Special Representative of Pope Francis, in Kyiv. The Head of State called on the Holy See to support the peace formula proposed by our country, as the ceasefire and freezing of hostilities will not lead to the establishment of a real lasting peace.

The details were shared by the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine on its official website. It is known that Zelensky and Zuppi discussed the current situation, humanitarian cooperation between Ukraine and the Vatican, and other issues.

During the meeting, Zelensky told the Pope's representative about the disaster that occurred on the night of 6 June at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. The Russian military blew up the dam and the hydroelectric power station, which caused large-scale consequences.

The President of Ukraine stated that Russia continues to commit heinous war crimes. The destruction of the hydroelectric facility caused huge damage "and will have terrible consequences for human life and the environment," he said.

He assured the Vatican representative that the Russians would try to take advantage of the ceasefire in their own interests.

"The enemy will take advantage of the pause to build up their capabilities and continue their offensive, for a new wave of crimes and terror. Russia must withdraw all its troops from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders," Zelenskyy stressed.

Only united efforts, diplomatic isolation and pressure on Russia can influence the aggressor and bring a just peace to Ukrainian land.

The parties discussed in detail the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula and the need to involve the widest possible range of countries, including the Global South, in the Peace Summit.

Zelenskyy called on the Vatican to contribute to the implementation of our peace plan, to facilitate the release of Ukrainian prisoners and the return of deported children.

"We welcome the readiness of other states and partners to find ways to peace, but as the war continues on the territory of Ukraine, the algorithm for achieving peace can only be Ukrainian," the guarantor said. In this way, he responded to the proposals to resolve the war that came from the Holy See.

"The Cardinal expressed Pope Francis' solidarity with the Ukrainian people and assured them of the Holy See's readiness to join the search for ways to implement these humanitarian initiatives," the President's Office said.

Zuppi also handed Zelenskyy a letter from Pope Francis. There are no details about its content.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported:

- In May, the Vatican said that the presidents of Ukraine and Russia had allegedly agreed to receive special envoys of Pope Francis' "peace mission". Two different people will travel to Kyiv and Moscow to discuss a possible truce.

- On May 13, Zelenskyy visits the Vatican and meets with the religious leader. According to the president, the conversation concerned ending the war, the Ukrainian "peace formula" and the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.

- Earlier, Francis said that the Holy See is involved in a peacekeeping mission in the Russian-Ukrainian war. He expressed hope that he could act as a mediator.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!