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16 July 2026, 20:32
Ukraine has appealed to the Vatican regarding the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Kherson region
Ця стаття також доступна українською2
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has brought the critical humanitarian situation in the occupied communities of Oleshky and Hola Prystan to the attention of the Pope’s representative; thousands of civilians there urgently need a humanitarian corridor.
This was announced by Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of the Holy See visited Kyiv, where he met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
Sibiga expressed his gratitude to Zuppi for the Holy See’s unwavering humanitarian commitment. He also presented the cardinal with a gift from Ukrainian children—as a token of gratitude for the Vatican’s efforts to bring Ukrainian children home and ensure their rehabilitation and rest.
“I also drew attention to the humanitarian situation in the Russian-occupied communities of Oleshky and Hola Prystan, where thousands of civilians urgently need a humanitarian corridor,” Sibiga said .
The minister briefed the cardinal on the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine’s peace efforts, and its vision for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
The parties paid special attention to the fate of Ukrainian civilian hostages, who remain outside the scope of effective international protection mechanisms.
Sybiga requested the Holy See’s continued support in advancing a separate humanitarian track for their release.
According to the minister, Ukraine wants to end this war more than anyone else. At the same time, he noted that Ukraine’s rapidly growing defense industry and combat experience are making the country an increasingly important player in ensuring European security.
Earlier, it was reported that in the temporarily occupied town of Oleshky, the evacuation route for civilians has been blocked for over a month. Food and medicine are not being delivered to the town, and due to constant shelling and drone attacks, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
Recently, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine stated that, as of June 24, no food supplies had reached the city—which is occupied by Russian forces—since May 26.
