The Sovereign Military Order of Malta clarifies that reports circulated by certain media outlets regarding the death in hospital of a Ukrainian citizen, described as a “66-year-old diplomat of the Order of Malta” or as the “Ambassador of the Order of Malta to Kyiv,” are entirely unfounded.

The Order of Malta’s Ambassador to Kyiv, Antonio Gazzanti Pugliese di Cotrone, and the Embassy staff were not affected by any bombings or other military operations. The Embassy staff is safe and continues to operate as usual.

The Order of Malta, including all its entities operating in Ukraine, has no connection whatsoever with the person involved, who reportedly died as a result of injuries sustained in a Russian missile attack on a military training camp in the Kyiv region on the afternoon of July 24.

It is worth noting that since February 2022, the Order has been actively engaged, through the joint efforts of all its Associations, relief corps, and approximately 1,000 volunteers (both foreign and Ukrainian), in providing medical, social, and psychological assistance, as well as safe shelters for displaced persons in Ukraine and neighboring countries, supporting approximately 4 million people in 70 locations. The Order contributed to the opening of a prosthetics clinic in Lviv to assist victims of landmine explosions and now operates primarily in the field of post-traumatic physical rehabilitation and psychological care for children and the most vulnerable. Over 60,000 psychological consultations have been conducted with adults and children, including both internally displaced persons and refugees in neighboring countries.

The Order of Malta’s staff and volunteers in Ukraine work under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions and have been facing this situation for years with great courage, determination and professionalism, with the sole aim of serving the weakest and most vulnerable, in accordance with the Order’s traditional humanitarian mission and vocation.

For this reason, it is essential that information concerning the Order of Malta be reported accurately, with due regard for the facts and for the daily commitment of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to assist populations affected by the conflict.