Richard Milliken

I spoke with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex today. At the very moment of our conversation, the Russians attacked Ukraine yet again – hundreds of “shaheds” and dozens of missiles against our cities and communities. In fact, the attack has been ongoing in waves since last night, and at least five regions have already been targeted. Not a single hour of peace for our people, and this is Russia’s response to our proposal for an Easter ceasefire. Essentially, the Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation. This certainly cannot be ignored, and I am grateful to everyone in the world who does not remain quiet about it. I spoke about the negotiation process and our work with the American team. I also expressed gratitude for the assistance in returning our abducted children and for all the humanitarian aid the Vatican has provided to our people, particularly during this difficult winter. We also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. I wished His Holiness and all those celebrating Easter this Sunday a blessed holiday and peace. Of course, we would be glad to welcome His Holiness to Ukraine on an apostolic visit. And I am especially grateful that the Pope remembers Ukraine, the Ukrainian people, and prays for peace for our nation.

When the whole world learned about Bucha. About Ukrainians butchered in the streets of Bucha by Russian occupiers. About our people tortured in basements. About those shot on the roads. About adults and children whose bodies were found in graves in Bucha. Everyone saw the horror that Russia and its aggression bring. They saw what Ukraine is really defending itself against. Today, on the fourth anniversary of Bucha’s liberation from Russian occupiers, we honored the memory of Ukrainians who were killed and tortured there. We remember and will never forget what the enemy did. Every Russian murderer, executioner, and terrorist must be held accountable for every crime against our people. Blessed be the memory of everyone whose lives were taken by Russia – to all who were killed in Bucha and across Ukraine at the hands of Russian occupiers.