Papal envoy in Russia. The background revealed, the first such decision by Moscow

For the first time since 2022, a foreign representative, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, was granted access to Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. This visit, which took place in September, marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian human rights spokesperson Dmytro Lubinets confirmed the cardinal's meeting with the prisoners, emphasizing the importance of negotiations for their return. Zuppi's mission focuses on prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Additionally, the Vatican's humanitarian efforts continue with the upcoming visit of Archbishop Luis Marin de San Martin to Ukraine, following recent discussions between Pope Leo XIV and leaders from Russia and Ukraine.