Russia once again explains its refusal to participate in negotiations with Ukraine in the Vatican, citing a set of reasons that, in their view, complicate the possibility of using the Holy See as a platform for dialogue
According to information obtained by Reuters from high-ranking circles of the Russian leadership, Moscow currently does not perceive the Vatican as a serious and influential mediator in complex negotiation processes, particularly in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Sources told the agency that among the reasons for this stance, the Russian side mentions an idea long voiced in political circles — that it does not consider the Catholic Holy See capable of playing a key role in resolving the ongoing conflict. "The Vatican is specifically not seen in Russia as a sufficiently significant and independent force capable of engaging in resolving such a complex and multilayered conflict," said one of the interlocutors. Another motive cited by high-ranking officials relates to the geopolitical proximity of the Vatican to Italy, which is a NATO member and supports Ukraine in its defense. Various sources pointed out that because the Vatican is located within Italian territory, its possible neutrality or role as a mediator in the conflict raises doubts about its ability to act as an objective arbiter. Additionally, another argument discussed in conversations with Reuters concerns the inability to quickly and unhindered travel from Moscow to the Vatican due to EU sanctions. Specifically, many Russian officials are unable to cross EU borders or travel freely due to imposed restrictions, which complicates participation in any diplomatic missions. It is worth noting that these arguments seem somewhat formal, as it is known that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended several international meetings, including OSCE sessions in 2023 and 2024, despite sanctions restrictions. Regarding the prospects of a meeting in the Vatican, the agency Bloomberg recently reported, citing Russian sources. According to them, the Kremlin currently considers a visit by Vladimir Putin to the Vatican or any other country for diplomatic talks on the Ukraine-Russia conflict unlikely. At the same time, Pope Leo XIV himself had previously expressed the idea of using the Vatican as a neutral platform for negotiations during his pontificate, an proposal supported both by Kyiv and European capitals, as well as Washington. However, no official confirmation of plans for such negotiations from Ukraine or Russia has yet been provided, and Moscow completely dismisses the possibility of a meeting in the Vatican, justifying its position with a combination of diplomatic, political, and security reasons.