Russia is unlikely to accept Pope Leo XIV’s offer to host peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv at the Vatican, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Lavrov dismissed the proposal as “unrealistic,” saying that a meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations on Catholic ground may not be appropriate, especially for Orthodox countries.
“It may not be favorable for Orthodox nations to discuss matters concerning the roots of the war on a Catholic platform,” Lavrov said.
On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV expressed his willingness to host the next round of negotiations at the Vatican in an effort to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite the Vatican’s offer, prospects for such a meeting remain uncertain as both sides continue to stand firm on their respective conditions for peace.
