Zelensky asks pope to aid release of Ukrainian prisoners

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 21 - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday asked for Pope Francis's help in the release of thousands of Ukrainian citizens detained in Russia.
    "Torture, humiliations and hunger are the conditions experienced by our Ukrainian people in Russian prisons and camps.
    "We have succeeded in taking back home 3,767 Ukrainians.
    "Almost all of them needed long-term care and rehabilitation", Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
    Moscow "illegally detains thousands more of our citizens and continues to forcefully transfer children.
    "We must do everything possible to free each one of them.
    "We count on the help of the Vatican and of all our partners!", wrote the Ukrainian president.
    After meeting the pontiff at the Vatican on October 11, Zelensky said talks with the pontiff had focused on securing the release of Ukrainian war prisoners held by Russia. (ANSA).