Zelensky offers to meet with Putin in Vatican
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: president.gov.ua
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky proposed to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vatican to discuss the conflict in Donbass, la Repubblica reports.
“The Holy See could be an ideal place to talk about peace in Donbass. A mediator with such powers will bring confidence that has so far been lacking in our efforts to reach an agreement,” Zelensky said, adding that “the meeting will definitely take place.”
“It is necessary to stop the war in Donbass and move towards a just and lasting peace. But what should be the agenda for these negotiations? What steps will lead us to peace? Where and when will these steps be agreed? These are open questions, and, in my opinion, we will receive answers as soon as direct consultations begin between the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Administration of the President of Russia. For my part, I have already given all instructions to organize consultations to the head of the Office, Andrei Yermak,” the President noted.
He also stated that "there has been no real direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia for a long time." This, he said, does not contribute to the strengthening of mutual trust.
“It seems to me that the meeting can be held in a place that embodies peace and dialogue. In my opinion, a place carefully chosen for conducting this very difficult dialogue about peace can contribute to solving the issue,” Zelensky stressed.
Earlier, the Head of State announced that he intends to discuss the position of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Read also
OCU cleric responds to Hryshchuk's provocations at funerals for AFU soldiers
Sofroniy Chuprina refuted claims about the necessity of opening the Royal Doors during funeral services.
Kosmach residents accuse OCU monks of supporting "Russian world" ideas
Parishioners of the OCU stated that the monastery residents near the village of Kosmach use pro-Russian rhetoric, preventing them from switching to the "new calendar".
Medieval church in England safeguarded with National Lottery funds
The preservation of a 13th-century church in Leicestershire was made possible thanks to money from British National Lottery draws.
Lavra Reserve marks centenary of Bolshevik seizure of the monastery
Reconstructions of museum exhibits from the “museum town,” which the Bolsheviks proclaimed within the monastery walls, were staged by the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve.
Sweden stops state support for Islamic organizations in country
The Swedish government has officially stopped all taxpayer-funded grants to the aid organization Islamic Relief Sweden (IRS) after an investigation revealed risks of connections to extremism.
Head of Montenegro’s schismatics meet with Phanar representative in Rome
A Finnish archbishop under the Phanar’s jurisdiction held a meeting with a representative of an uncanonical church structure from Montenegro.