Ukraine-Russia talks could get new mediator
Photo: Patriarch Theophilos III (wikipedia.org)
Information has emerged in the media about a possible new mediator between Ukraine and Russia — Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III. The Ukrainian authorities have also responded to the reports, according to the Israeli outlet Ynet and RBC-Ukraine's own source.
Theophilos III as a new mediator? What the media reported
According to Israeli sources, Donald Trump and Patriarch Theophilos III held a 40-minute meeting in Washington last Thursday. During the talks, they discussed the creation of a dialogue channel between Kyiv and Moscow.
Theophilos III is considered a figure of religious and moral authority in the Orthodox world, completely free of any direct political coloring. He also has experience in diplomatic and humanitarian missions, including involvement in securing the release of Israeli citizen Naama Issachar from a Russian prison.
A meeting between the patriarch and Russian leader Vladimir Putin is scheduled for later this month.
People close to Theophilos III say Trump is eager to demonstrate swift and significant progress in at least one of the world's major conflicts.
How is Ukraine reacting?
A source within Ukraine's government generally welcomed the idea of involving the patriarch in the process.
"Why not? The more mediators there are, the more responses we will get from Russia showing that Putin wants to keep fighting," the source said.
At the same time, the source clarified that, as of now, no one has officially approached the Ukrainian leadership with a proposal regarding such mediation.
Peace talks
After returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump repeatedly stated his intention to help bring an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Washington has maintained contacts with both Kyiv and Moscow. However, the sides have so far failed to achieve significant progress toward a ceasefire, while the war in the Middle East has diverted part of the United States' attention.
Against this backdrop, various initiatives involving potential mediators in the peace process continue to emerge. In particular, discussions are ongoing about who could represent the European side in potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a possible mediator. However, Ukraine opposed the idea.
Berlin also rejected the Kremlin's proposal. German officials said they do not view Schröder as a representative of Europe in the negotiation process and see the initiative as an attempt by Russia to sow division among European partners and within German political circles.
In addition, it emerged that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv in May to learn Ukraine's position firsthand. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later confirmed the visit.
