Mrs. Nausėdienė is visiting Rome at the invitation of Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to participate in events marking the 1,000th day of Russia’s war against Ukraine alongside other First Ladies.
During a brief conversation with Pope Francis, the First Lady thanked him for his efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken and expressed her hope for an end to the war with just peace. She also presented the Pope with gifts made by the Ukrainian children attending the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius.
“For more than 1,000 days, Ukraine has endured brutal Russian aggression. These are likely the hardest 1,000 days in Ukraine’s history. Yet, they also represent the inspiring and heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people. Today, we pay the highest tribute to every Ukrainian defender who has lost their life defending their homeland, and to all those who continue to fight for their freedom,” Mrs. Nausėdienė said.
According to the First Lady, Lithuania has steadfastly supported Ukraine since the very first day of the war and will continue to do so. “Our commitment to a secure world remains unwavering. Lithuania’s support for Ukraine is more than a moral stance—it is essential to ensure our own freedom and stability in the world,” the First Lady of Lithuania pointed out.
On Wednesday, Mrs. Diana Nausėdienė and the other First Ladies will also visit the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital of the Holy See and attend a Mass for Ukraine’s freedom.
