The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, detailed the severe Russian bombings that occurred on May 13 and 14, describing them as particularly intense and indicative of a troubling pattern of deliberate targeting against humanitarian workers. In a phone interview with Vatican News, he reported that these bombings marked one of the heaviest assaults since the onset of the war, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and 48 injuries in Kyiv alone, including children.
In his remarks, the Nuncio noted that Ukrainian authorities recorded over 1,500 long-range drones reaching western Ukrainian cities such as Ivano-Frankivsk and Uzhhorod before drones and approximately sixty ballistic missiles struck Kyiv later that night. Archbishop Kulbokas expressed deep concern over attacks on humanitarian vehicles, highlighting a specific incident where a United Nations vehicle, clearly marked and operating after prior notification to both Ukrainian and Russian authorities, was targeted in Kherson while distributing vital aid.
He condemned these actions as deliberate, stating that this is not an isolated event but part of a consistent pattern of violence aimed at suppressing assistance to the populace. This assault on humanitarian efforts is compounded by reports of missile fragments falling near the Nunciature; although no significant damage occurred, it reflects the precarious situation in the area.
Additionally, Archbishop Kulbokas relayed that contact with local clergy revealed extensive damage from ongoing drone and missile attacks, including a church roof that developed 57 holes over time due to these assaults. He pointed out that the neighborhoods along the left bank of the Dnipro River faced the brunt of this violence, suffering numerous casualties and significant infrastructure damage, leaving many without water.
In light of these escalated attacks, the Nuncio suggested that conversations among diplomats indicate a stark continuation of warfare, as suggested by the intensity of the bombings. Conclusively, the Archbishop implored that all that remains is to pray for peace amidst the ongoing conflict.
