Vatican Vows Diplomatic Support to Free Ukrainian Journalists Held in Russian Captivity
The Vatican will use its diplomatic channels to help secure the release of Ukrainian journalists held in Russian captivity, Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas said during a meeting in Kyiv with media advocacy leaders, The Gaze reports.
The meeting, held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Ukraine, brought together the Vatican’s ambassador, the head of Eastern European advocacy at the International Press Institute (IPI) Karol Luczka, and the head of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), Sergiy Tomilenko.
The central focus of their discussion was the plight of Ukrainian media workers detained by Russian forces.
“Every day in captivity is a day of torture and inhumane treatment for our colleagues. We must use every possible mechanism to bring them home,” Tomilenko stressed, thanking the Vatican for its attention to this humanitarian crisis.
During the meeting, Tomilenko handed over an updated list and documentation regarding Ukrainian journalists currently imprisoned in Russia.
According to verified NUJU data, 31 civilian media workers are confirmed to be held, alongside at least one journalist captured while serving in Ukraine’s defense forces.
Ambassador Kulbokas was visibly moved by the case of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity as a result of torture. “I pray for her,” he said, expressing condolences to her family and colleagues.
The Nuncio encouraged NUJU and IPI to maintain strong international advocacy and keep the world’s attention on this ongoing violation of press freedom. He also confirmed: “The Holy See will use its diplomatic channels to help facilitate the release of Ukrainian media workers.”
This meeting follows recent remarks by Pope Leo XIV, who made an impassioned call for the release of journalists imprisoned “for seeking to report the truth.” The Pope said: “The Church sees in these witnesses – those who report on war even at the cost of their lives – the courage of those who defend dignity, justice, and the people’s right to be informed.”
As The Gaze previously reported, the Vatican has offered to host direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, after high-level talks in Istanbul collapsed due to Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s refusal to attend.
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