Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, tasked by Pope Francis to carry out a peace mission to try to help end the war in Ukraine, headed to Kyiv on Monday for a two-day trip to sound out government authorities.
“We can't watch a war without at least saying that we are close to the victims and seeking in every way possible to alleviate the consequences,” he said.
The plan calls for restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities, and the restoration of Ukraine's state borders. Diplomats have said that Ukraine would also be cool to the idea of putting a meeting between Zuppi and Zelensky and an eventual one between Zuppi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the same plane.
The Vatican statement's mention of “humanitarian gestures” on Monday appeared to be a reference to Kyiv's request — and the Vatican's willingness — to help with the repatriation of Ukrainian children.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kremlin: Western long-range missiles to Ukraine will fuel 'spiralling tension' - SABC NewsThe Kremlin said on Sunday that any supply of long-range missiles to Kyiv by France and Germany would lead to a further round of “spiralling tension” in the Ukraine conflict.
Read more »
Ukraine minister in 'disbelief' at closed Kyiv bomb shelters | News24A senior Ukrainian government official expressed 'disbelief' on Sunday after learning that nearly half of Kyiv bomb shelters inspected during an initial audit were closed or unfit for use.
Read more »
Russia says it repelled 'large-scale' Ukraine offensive in DonetskMilitary experts expect Ukrainian forces to test Russian defences for weaknesses before starting a full-blown offensive.
Read more »
ROLAND GARROS 2023: Serbia, Kosovo political battle and Russia’s war in Ukraine take centre court at the French OpenTrouble in Kosovo and the war in Europe have focused attention more on the opinions of Djokovic and Sabalenka than on the fine tennis being played.
Read more »
Why do we love Putin? Elementary, my dear WatsonSouth Africa’s deformed response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year has come home to roost.
Read more »