🌍 According to Reuters, citing sources close to the Kremlin, russia does not consider the Vatican an effective platform for negotiations due to its Catholic status and location in Italy — a NATO and EU member, as well as an active ally of Ukraine.
Source: Bukvy
✈️ In addition to political reasons, russian officials complain about logistical difficulties — sanctions and the lack of direct flights make it hard for them to travel to the Vatican.
🤝 The idea of the Vatican as a mediator emerged after a phone conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and putin, and Pope Leo XIV is reportedly ready to host the talks. However, Moscow believes the Vatican “is not a serious force to resolve the conflict.”
✝️ The Kremlin also emphasizes the religious factor: russia and Ukraine are predominantly Orthodox countries, while the Vatican is the center of Catholicism. russian foreign minister lavrov called the idea “somewhat inappropriate.”
⚖️ One official sarcastically suggested that “a better place than the Vatican would be The Hague” — hinting at the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for putin.
🕊️ Officially, the Kremlin stated that a final decision regarding the Vatican has not yet been made. The Vatican itself has not publicly commented on the initiative.
🌐 Instead, russia considers Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman to be more acceptable venues for negotiations — countries seen as neutral and willing to mediate.