Rome, 15 April 2026 – Today there was a working visit between the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and the Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo following the fruitful discussion held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2025.

The meeting, held in a climate of full harmony, confirmed the solidity of bilateral relations – established in 2008 – and the strong spirit of cooperation between Ukraine and the Order along the path of humanitarian diplomacy.

“You are neutral but you are not indifferent”: with these words, the Minister expressed his gratitude for the Order’s deep-rooted presence in the country in support of the most vulnerable segments of the population. Sybiha thanked the Order for its tireless efforts since the beginning of the conflict, particularly for the recent “Warmth for Ukraine” initiative, which supports 3,500 families affected by attacks on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure.

The programmes of the Order of Malta Relief Organization in Ukraine – based in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Berehove – have developed over the years and especially since February 2022, following the outbreak of the war with Russia. With over 4 million Ukrainians reached since 2022, the Order’s response represents its largest humanitarian operation since World War II, covering food and medical aid, mental-health support, child assistance, rehabilitation and energy-crisis relief, with efforts that will continue to grow.

The meeting highlighted the Order’s commitment to the country’s long-term recovery and reconstruction phase. A strategy that includes cooperation with Poland, activities dedicated to mental health and constant dialogue with Ukrainian authorities and international partners to ensure a lasting impact beyond the end of the conflict. In this context, the Malteser Relief Service of Ukraine has provided over 60,000 psychological consultations for adults and minors, for both internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries. The impact of the conflict on the new generations is not limited to the provision of basic necessities but aims to address the psychological and social consequences of the conflict.

Reaffirming spiritual closeness and solidarity with the victims of serious human rights violations, the Order has reiterated in major international forums – including the United Nations General and Human Rights Council Assembly and the Munich Security Conference – the necessity and urgency of a full respect for international humanitarian law and the centrality of human dignity.

“The crisis in Ukraine remains at the centre of the Order’s concerns,” says the Grand Chancellor. “Ensuring humanitarian access, supporting reconstruction and achieving a lasting cessation of hostilities are immediate priorities, along with the diplomatic efforts needed to achieve a just and long-term peace.” During the conversation regarding the possible paths to peace outlined by the Minister, the Grand Chancellor confirmed the Order’s readiness to make its resources and facilities available in support of future peace initiatives and efforts, garnering tangible interest from the Minister. In this regard, the parties agreed to pursue further dialogue on these matters.

Order of Malta’s Commitment in Ukraine
Since February 2022, the Order has been active with all its Associations, Relief Corps, and some 1,000 volunteers (both foreign and Ukrainian) to provide medical, social, and psychological assistance, as well as safe havens, to displaced people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, providing support to approximately 4 million people. More than 10,000 tons of aid have been distributed to over 70 different locations; 300,000 people have been assisted at the borders and some 60 shelters have been set up to house the displaced. Additionally, in 2022, the Order contributed to opening a prosthetics clinic in Lviv to help victims of mine explosions. To date, more than 250 prostheses have been provided.

The Order of Malta’s commitment in Ukraine has mobilised over 80 million euros. The Order of Malta’s bodies in Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia have also actively participated in refugee assistance projects.