The Russian side has signaled openness to engaging with the Vatican envoy who is planning to travel to the Russian Federation as part of efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine. This stance was conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as reported by RIA News. The message underscores Moscow’s willingness to explore diplomatic channels and listen to proposals from a broad circle of international mediators in the pursuit of a settlement that could end bloodshed and reduce regional instability.
During a round table discussion on Ukraine’s crisis, Lavrov voiced a clear readiness to meet with all interested parties and to hold discussions with everyone who has a stake in the outcome. The remarks reflect a continuing motivation from Moscow to keep diplomatic doors open, to exchange views with partners and rivals alike, and to examine a range of formats that might facilitate progress, conversation, and potential compromises that could pave the way for a sustainable ceasefire and political settlement.
The round table is scheduled to take place in Moscow on September 15 and will bring together representatives of diplomatic missions from more than 30 countries. The gathering is framed as a platform for dialogue and international engagement, inviting voices from different regions to contribute to a peaceful resolution process. Observers note that the presence of such a diverse group signals a persistent interest in Ukraine’s future and in how great powers and regional actors can cooperate to ease tensions and support a stable security environment in the region.
In Kyiv, Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, recently stated in an interview with Ukraine Channel 24 that Kiev does not support Vatican mediation in resolving the Ukrainian crisis. The Ukrainian stance represents the intricacies of finding a mediator acceptable to all parties and preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and strategic priorities. The dialogue landscape remains nuanced, with discussions shifting as political calculations evolve and new diplomatic offers surface from different international actors.
On September 14, the Pope’s envoy to Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, is expected to meet with the special representative of the People’s Republic of China. The planned talks illustrate the ongoing appeal of using high-profile religious figures and state actors to bridge gaps among disputing sides, exploring channels that can facilitate dialogue, humanitarian assurances, and potential avenues for cooperation among major international actors concerned with Ukraine and broader regional stability.
Previously, Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented positively on the Pope’s remarks regarding Russia’s heritage, noting that these comments carry significance for cultural and historical understandings that can influence international perception and engagement. The exchange underscores how language around history and legacy can shape diplomatic mood and inspire conversations about shared values and mutual respect in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.