Vatican Envoy Zuppi Visits Moscow for Talks on Humanitarian Cooperation

Dragon Media News Desk

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Holy See’s special envoy for efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, visited Moscow from September 28 to 30. According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, discussions covered humanitarian matters, including searches for missing persons, exchanges of prisoners of war and civilians, and family reunification.

Zuppi met Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova and Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. The ministry said the meetings addressed humanitarian cooperation between Russia and the Holy See against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict and prospects for its resolution.

The discussions also addressed children affected by the conflict and their reunification with families. The Russian account referred to this as the “children’s dossier.” The ministry’s statement provided no details of any new exchanges, reunifications or other concrete agreements.

Zuppi was also briefed on the humanitarian situation in Alyoshki, in the Kherson region. Russia accused Ukrainian authorities of obstructing food and medicine deliveries and efforts to evacuate remaining civilians. The Russian statement included neither a Ukrainian response nor independent verification of those allegations.

At the Vatican’s request, Zuppi visited a facility holding Ukrainian military personnel, the ministry said. He reportedly spoke directly with detainees. Russia claimed the visit confirmed its compliance with humanitarian standards, but the account did not present a separate assessment from Zuppi or the Holy See.

The Russian Foreign Ministry described the visit as a continuation of regular, constructive dialogue between Russia and the Holy See. It said both sides remained committed to cooperation on humanitarian issues.