Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict is intensifying, with a fourfold increase in Russian forces and a three- to fourfold surge in missile and drone attacks, according to the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas. Speaking with Vatican News, Archbishop Kulbokas emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst growing hardship and destruction, while likewise underscoring the urgent need for sustained prayer and international support. The ongoing war, now entering its fifth year, continues to inflict a heavy toll on civilians and infrastructure, with over 20 embassies, including the apostolic nunciature in Kyiv, damaged in the fighting. The situation is so dire, the archbishop noted, that even basic humanitarian aid efforts are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
The escalating violence has forced aid organizations to adapt, moving support operations deeper underground to protect against constant drone strikes. Previously, medical aid points could be established near the front lines, but now, Archbishop Kulbokas explained, “every building comes under fire.” This grim reality underscores the immense challenges facing Ukrainians as they strive for safety and stability. Despite the relentless attacks, the archbishop highlighted the unwavering spirit of Ukrainians, who continue to help one another and maintain hope. This resilience, he believes, is rooted in a deep faith and a commitment to rebuilding their lives and communities. The need for unrelenting prayers for peace and healing in Ukraine remains paramount.
The Weight of International Responsibility
Archbishop Kulbokas pointed to Russia’s permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the country’s responsibility to promote peace and justice. He also recalled a series of international agreements intended to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, signed by Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This memorandum provided security assurances in exchange for Ukraine giving up its nuclear arsenal. A 2003 agreement between Russia and Ukraine recognized their mutual borders, and the Minsk agreements, though repeatedly violated, represented further attempts at de-escalation. These past commitments, the archbishop suggested, highlight the broken trust and the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts.
The archbishop acknowledged the difficulty in envisioning a path forward amidst the escalating violence. “It’s hard, also for me, to understand how to get out of this violence, which seems only to grow and consolidate,” he said. He finds solace and strength in prayer, recounting a recent meeting with an interconfessional group of women who had an audience with Pope Francis. These women are actively involved in promoting prayer and raising funds for humanitarian aid, focusing on practical needs like prosthetic limbs for both wounded soldiers and civilians, and facilitating temporary respite for those affected by the war. Their work, he noted, is characterized by a refusal to condemn, recognizing the complexities of the situation and the potential for shared humanity even amidst conflict.
A Focus on Humanitarian Needs and Spiritual Support
The women’s approach, Archbishop Kulbokas emphasized, reflects a crucial understanding: “It is not worth blaming all Russians, because we do not know what we ourselves would do if we lived in the same political situation.” This sentiment underscores the importance of empathy and avoiding generalizations in a conflict marked by profound suffering. The focus, he said, must remain on providing practical assistance and fostering a spirit of solidarity.
Archbishop Kulbokas urged all people of faith to support Ukraine, primarily through spiritual means. This support, he explained, encompasses prayer, humanitarian contributions, solidarity, and heartfelt compassion. He drew upon the words of Pope Leo XIV, who urged people not to “remain among the ashes, but rise and rebuild,” and his own Ash Wednesday homily, emphasizing the importance of discerning the signs of the times and recognizing the opportunities that God presents. “God works even when people do not seek peace,” he stated, adding that even when international law and justice seem to have crumbled, “hope always springs from God.”
The Role of Diplomacy and Hopeful Signs
Even as the situation appears bleak, Archbishop Kulbokas believes it is crucial to identify “sprouts of hope” in ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with the support of the United States and other nations. He acknowledged that these talks are currently limited by significant obstacles, but stressed the importance of continuing to seek avenues for dialogue and de-escalation. The destruction of the Azerbaidjan embassy in Kyiv, with the nunciature also suffering damage, underscores the indiscriminate nature of the conflict and the vulnerability of diplomatic missions. According to the archbishop, “almost nothing is left of the Azerbaijan embassy.”
Visvaldas Kulbokas has served as the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine since 2021, having been appointed by Pope Francis. Born in Lithuania in 1974, he brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his role, having studied theology and canon law in Rome and served in the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. His presence in Ukraine represents the Holy See’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people during this time of crisis.
As the war enters its fifth year, the need for sustained international attention and support remains critical. The archbishop’s call for prayer and solidarity serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring hope for a just and lasting peace. The next key development to watch will be any progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts, and the continued provision of humanitarian aid to those affected by the war.
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