Patriarch Theophilos to mediate Ukraine war talks, media reports

Patriarch Theophilos III and Donald Trump at the White House. Photo: X page of the U.S. adviser on Arab and African affairs

Donald Trump has backed the candidacy of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem as a mediator in diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, Ynet News reported.

The decision was made following a meeting at the White House that lasted about 40 minutes. The American leader reportedly views the head of the Jerusalem Church as a figure capable of creating an effective channel of communication between the warring parties.

The choice of Patriarch Theophilos was due to his high authority in the Orthodox world and the trust he enjoys from both sides of the conflict. Diplomatic circles describe him as a “non-political figure” who comes from a position of “religious and moral trust.”

As part of the peace initiative, Patriarch Theophilos is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in late June 2026. Washington hopes that progress on the Ukrainian track will allow the White House to adjust its strategic priorities in other regions of the world.

As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Theophilos presented Donald Trump with the highest order of the Jerusalem Church. During their conversation at the White House, Trump confirmed his readiness to protect Christian communities and holy sites around the world. The parties also discussed the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East, with Patriarch Theophilos urging the U.S. president to help protect believers in the region.

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