Ukrainian Embassy dismisses Trump–Patriarch Theophilos talks as childish

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

Representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel called the attempt to involve Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem in peace negotiations "kindergarten-level." As reported by "Orthodox Ukraine" citing sources in diplomatic circles, Kyiv categorically rejects the possibility of such mediation, comparing the Primate of one of the oldest Local Churches to European politicians - Gerhard Schröder and Karin Kneissl.

Ukrainian diplomats leveled a number of accusations against His Beatitude. According to a high-ranking embassy official, the Patriarch allegedly regularly received cash payments from the Moscow Patriarchate and certain "Orthodox oligarchs." "You wouldn't believe who we've seen visiting him, who came with sports bags," the diplomat was quoted as saying.

The Embassy emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to cooperate with a hierarch who "walks arm in arm with the Russian ambassador" and holds "anti-American views."

The main reason for such an aggressive reaction was that Patriarch Theophilos consistently opposes granting the Tomos to the OCU and refuses to recognize this structure. The diplomatic department stated that they are "absolutely not on the same path" with the Primate, who ignores the Embassy's initiatives. The diplomat also added that "voluntaristic decisions" by the Trump administration will have no consequences for Ukraine.

As the UOJ reported, the US President supported the candidacy of the Primate of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church as a mediator for peaceful settlement of the war. As part of the peace initiative, Patriarch Theophilos will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2026.

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