**Ukraine’s President Seeks Global Support for Peace Efforts**
On April 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with high-ranking officials from the Vatican, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. The meetings took place on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral.
During his conversations with the Vatican leaders, Zelensky emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. He noted that efforts to achieve this goal have intensified in recent days, particularly with regards to establishing a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Zelensky also discussed a potential peace plan with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier on April 26.
**A Global Effort for Peace**
Zelensky’s meetings with the Vatican officials demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to seeking global support for its peace efforts. The country has been engaged in a conflict with Russia since 2014, and recent days have seen increased tensions between the two nations.
In addition to meeting with Trump, Zelensky also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on April 26. The three leaders discussed ways to achieve peace in Ukraine, including the establishment of a ceasefire.
**The Vatican’s Role**
The Vatican has played an important role in efforts to return Ukrainian children and prisoners held captive by Russia. Zelensky expressed gratitude for these efforts and asked that they continue.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has brought home 277 soldiers in a prisoner exchange with Russia. The exchange was mediated by the United Arab Emirates and marked one of the largest such swaps between the two nations.
**A Call to Action**
Zelensky’s meetings with the Vatican officials highlight the need for continued global efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine. He emphasized that there are many Ukrainians still being held captive by Russia, including children, and called on the international community to support efforts to bring them home.
The Vatican’s commitment to helping Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace is an important step forward in this process. As Zelensky said, “We expect that the Holy See will continue to help unite international efforts to achieve peace, the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia, and the release of prisoners.”
**A New Era for Global Cooperation**
The meetings between Zelensky and the Vatican officials demonstrate a new era of global cooperation in seeking solutions to pressing conflicts. As the world grapples with rising tensions and humanitarian crises, it is heartening to see leaders coming together to address these challenges.
In this context, the efforts of the Vatican to support Ukraine’s peace efforts are particularly significant. The organization has a long history of promoting dialogue and understanding between nations, and its involvement in efforts to return Ukrainian children and prisoners held captive by Russia is a welcome development.
As Zelensky said, “Thank you for supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defense and the principle that peace conditions cannot be imposed on a victim country.” These words capture the essence of the international community’s responsibility to support nations seeking peace and stability in an increasingly complex world.
