The Apostolic Nunciature — the Vatican embassy in Kyiv — sustained structural damage during a large-scale Russian airstrike on July 10. According to official statements, drone fragments fell on the main building and nearby service areas of the diplomatic mission. Surrounding residential buildings were also hit by debris. G.Business reports this, citing Vatican News and the press service of the Apostolic Nunciature.
Details of the Attack
"During yet another early morning attack on Kyiv, involving missiles and drones, the Apostolic Nunciature’s main building and service areas were struck by debris. Two neighboring residential buildings were also affected," the Vatican’s diplomatic mission confirmed.
Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, the Vatican’s ambassador to Ukraine, stated that the roof and parking area were damaged. He personally witnessed drones circling above the embassy compound and heard multiple explosions.
“We recovered about ten fairly large fragments, and I am convinced they belonged to a drone, not a missile. Luckily, none of us were injured — but the experience of hearing such close-range explosions is deeply disturbing,” Kulbokas said.
Pope Leo XIV Offers Vatican as Peace Negotiation Venue
The incident came just one day after Pope Leo XIV hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Vatican residence on July 9. During the meeting, the Pope offered the Vatican as a neutral ground for possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
President Zelenskyy previously confirmed that Pope Leo XIV had expressed willingness to contribute to peace negotiations. The Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, added that the Vatican was ready to act as a facilitator.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also remarked that the Vatican could serve as a host for direct negotiations, though he stopped short of calling it a mediator.
Extent of the July 10 Russian Attack
Kyiv was the primary target of the latest overnight strike. Russian forces launched kamikaze drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles toward the capital.
Six city districts reported damage. Residential buildings were hit, and fires broke out. The Shevchenkivskyi district suffered the most. Authorities confirmed that more than 20 people were injured and 2 killed. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched a total of 415 drones and missiles during the night. More than 90% were intercepted by Ukrainian air defense systems.
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