Russia’s Human Rights Ombudsman Yana Lantratova and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Pope’s special representative for resolving the conflict in Ukraine, discussed the return of Russian soldiers from captivity and the situation of civilians held in Ukraine. Zuppi, who is also president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, expressed his readiness to continue cooperation on humanitarian issues.
Lantratova briefed Zuppi on efforts to return Russian soldiers held captive in Ukraine. The meeting also covered how prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine were carried out and how direct dialogue with Ukraine’s ombudsman was continuing.
The return of civilians to Russia was also discussed
The parties also discussed the return to Russia of civilians held in Ukraine. Lantratova said Zuppi was ready to continue cooperation on humanitarian issues.
The latest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine took place at the end of August 2026. Under the exchange, 10 Russian soldiers were sent to Russia, while the same number of Ukrainian soldiers were sent to Ukraine.
Russia recovered 663 Russian prisoners of war over four months. The Kremlin had previously announced that the two countries were continuing contacts on prisoners of war.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, during his three-day visit Zuppi also met Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov and other officials. The talks covered prospects for ending the war, prisoner exchanges and displaced children. The cardinal was allowed to visit Ukrainian prisoners of war and also raised the situation of civilians in Oleshky in the Kherson region. The visit came as Pope Leo urged Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to the war.
