Rome, 22 June 2023 – With regards to the involvement of the Sovereign Order of Malta in the release of Ukrainian prisoners, the Government of the Order of Malta wishes to clarify that the Order of Malta was not involved in the negotiations that led to the release of the 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war.

When the former prisoners arrived in Hungary on June 8th, 2023, the Order of Malta’s Hungarian relief organization provided them with first medical assistance and humanitarian relief, in compliance with the Order of Malta’s mission to preserve human dignity and care for all those in need, regardless of their origin or religion.

The Order of Malta has been actively involved in providing medical, social, and psychological support as well as safe shelters to the displaced in Ukraine and in the neighboring countries. Tons of food and humanitarian goods have been transported to Ukraine and from there distributed to over 65 locations in the country. Under the coordination of Malteser International, the Order of Malta’s organizations have been providing logistic and health assistance since the outbreak of the war in February 2022.