Nuncio to Ukraine: Heavy attacks suggest no intention to end war

“The last few hours have again been very heavy for the entire country. Between May 13 and May 14, there were numerous bombings,” the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, told Vatican News by phone on Thursday evening.

In the interview, the Nuncio reflected on what has been defined as the heaviest attack launched by Russia since the start of the war, with a tragic toll of at least 24 dead and 48 injured just in the capital, including children.

Archbishop Kulbokas explained that "Ukrainian authorities counted over 1,500 long-range drones that reached western cities such as Ivano-Frankivsk, Uzhhorod, and others, then during the night it was Kyiv’s turn, with drones and about sixty missiles, mostly ballistic.” 

The Nuncio also expressed great concern that even a United Nations vehicle, belonging to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, was attacked in Kherson while distributing humanitarian aid, which he said, was a clearly marked vehicles that move only after informing both Ukrainian and Russian authorities in advance.

He said it is evident that these are deliberate attacks, "and it is not the first time."

The Apostolic Nuncio called it "very concerning when humanitarian workers with clear markings are deliberately targeted, so that the population does not receive aid.”