Ukraine Ready to Take These Steps: Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has had a phone conversation with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican. The President announced this on his Telegram channel.

During the conversation, Zelenskyy wished for the swift recovery of Pope Francis and expressed gratitude to the Holy See for its prayers, moral support for the Ukrainian people, and assistance regarding the return of children displaced by Russia.

Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine has provided the Vatican with a list of citizens being held in Russian prisons and camps. He expressed hope that the Holy See would support their release.

He emphasized that prisoner exchanges and a 30-day ceasefire are the first steps toward achieving a "just and sustainable peace."

"Ukraine is ready to take these steps because our people want peace more than anything else. However, Russia is deliberately creating conditions that only complicate the process, as it is the one interested in continuing the war and disrupting diplomacy," Zelenskyy said.

On March 14, the advisor to the head of the Ukrainian president's office, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated that martial law would not be lifted unless a 30-day ceasefire is achieved. According to him, elections will also not take place for the time being.