Vatican Mediates Release of Ukrainian Prisoners Held by Russia

Ten Ukrainian civilians, detained by Russia for years, have returned to Kyiv following Vatican-mediated negotiations. These individuals, some of whom were captured before the 2022 full-scale invasion and after the 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, represent a rare instance of prisoner release in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced their arrival and highlighted the significance of their release amidst the broader context of many Ukrainians still being held. The involvement of the Vatican in securing their freedom underscores the international dimension of efforts to address the humanitarian aspects of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.