As part of Ukrainian Week 2026 in Washington, the Ukrainian delegation held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks combined diplomatic and spiritual dimensions and were dedicated to Russia's war against Ukraine, shared values, and the search for a just peace.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Week press service.
As reported, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Ukraine, Ordinary of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese, Vitaliy Kryvytsky, took part in the talks. According to him, the conversation lasted about 30 minutes and focused on the situation of the Ukrainian people in the conditions of a full-scale war. Namely, on the common values of faith, the challenges of the current global moment, Ukraine's struggle for freedom, and Russia's unprovoked and unjust war against Ukrainians.
"We met as brothers in faith. I felt sincere human and Christian support from Marco Rubio – both for me personally and for the Ukrainian people. He spoke about praying for us, and I really felt this sincerity. I also see and understand that he is doing everything possible to help stop this senseless war unleashed by Russia, so that a just peace can finally be achieved – the one for which we pray and work,” the bishop noted.
It is also noted that during the meeting, the daily challenges faced by the residents of Kyiv, Kyiv region and other regions of Ukraine, in particular due to constant Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, were discussed.
“As a representative of the Church, I spoke about the suffering of the residents of Kyiv, Kyiv region and all of Ukraine, as well as about the people who are currently freezing due to the ongoing attacks on the energy sector. Rubio was interested in this and, from what I saw, listened carefully and was well informed. From our conversation, I felt that he deeply understands the current situation in Ukraine,” Vitaliy Kryvytsky emphasized.
According to him, the US Secretary of State emphasized that the Ukrainian government is actively working to achieve a just and lasting peace, and noted the importance of hope and joint prayer.
“…As Christians, we must cherish hope. In support of me and the Ukrainian people, he gave hope that we are moving towards this goal,” Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytsky added.
As a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience, the US Secretary of State was presented with a box of Millennium candies made in the city of Dnipro.
“This gift symbolizes the strength and endurance of our people, as production continues even during constant shelling. Rubio was impressed and emphasized the strength of the Ukrainians,” he concluded.
It is noted that Ukrainian Week 2026, which runs from February 2 to 7 in Washington, brings together members of the US Congress, representatives of the Ukrainian government, religious figures, chaplains, veterans, the business community and Ukrainians in America with the aim of deepening the partnership between the US and Ukraine.
Photo: Ukrainian Week press service
Prepared by: Inna Mikhno