A delegation from the Holy See has arrived in Ukraine and visited a facility where captured Russian military personnel are being held, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (CHTPW) on Tuesday.
"Cardinal Matteo Zuppi familiarized himself with the conditions that, in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention, Ukraine provides for prisoners of war of various nationalities. These conditions are necessary for the proper detention and preservation of the health of the exchange pool, because every life of a captured Russian army serviceman represents a Ukrainian soldier’s life that may be saved in the future while they remain in Russian captivity," the statement published on Telegram said.
During the visit, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi also said:
"Pope Leo XIV conveyed that he is praying for peace and that all prisoners may return home as soon as possible."
The CHTPW also emphasized that Ukraine needs visits by representatives of international organizations and religious communities to places where Ukrainian military personnel and civilians are being held in the Russian state and in occupied territories.
As of now, Ukraine has managed to bring back 9,613 citizens from Russian captivity.
