Zelenskyy: Russia still holding thousands of Ukrainians, Ukraine counts on Vatican's help in their release

10:26, 21.10.2024 1 min read

Russia is still illegally holding thousands of Ukrainian citizens, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

“We have managed to bring 3,767 Ukrainians home. Almost all of them required long-term treatment and rehabilitation. Russia continues to illegally detain thousands more of our people and forcibly relocate children,” Zelenskyy said on X Monday.

According to him, Ukrainians are going through torture, humiliation and hunger in Russian prisons and camps. The President noted that Ukraine is counting on the help of partner countries in this matter, especially noting the Vatican.

“Together with everyone in the world who values human life, we must do everything possible to free each and every one of them. We are counting on the support of the Vatican and all our partners,” Zelenskyy said.

As reported, as a result of the 58th prisoner exchange with the Russian Federation on October 19, some 95 defenders returned to Ukraine, 48 of whom were illegally sentenced in the Russian Federation to long terms or life imprisonment.