Russia’s Lavrov dismisses holding Russia–Ukraine peace talks in Vatican
This was reported by the BBC Russian Service, according to Ukrinform.
Lavrov made the remarks on Friday during a conference organized under the auspices of the Diplomatic Academy of Russia’s Foreign Ministry, titled “Historical southern Russian lands. National identity and self-determination of peoples.”
Commenting on the prospect of peace talks in the Vatican, Lavrov said it is "unrealistic" and not worth spending "mental resources" considering it, as cited by The Moscow Times.
He added that the Kremlin has "no ideas" regarding suitable venues for negotiations.
“Imagine the Vatican as a place for negotiations. It’s a bit inelegant for Orthodox countries to be discussing such issues on a Catholic platform,” Lavrov stated.
He reiterated previous accusations by Moscow that Ukraine has taken a course toward the destruction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“I think it would also be uncomfortable for the Vatican itself to host delegations from two Orthodox countries under these conditions,” Lavrov added.
The Russian Foreign Minister once again insisted that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine agrees to significant political concessions.
“If the so-called government — in fact, the junta — of President Zelensky believes some agreement can be reached to stop the fighting and that whatever remains of Ukraine can live under the laws they’ve passed, that’s an illusion. This cannot be allowed under any circumstances,” Lavrov claimed.
He also accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of illegitimacy but added that Moscow is ready to negotiate with his administration. However, when it comes to signing agreements, legitimacy will be decisive.
“If those who sign the agreements are of questionable legitimacy — to put it mildly — their successors could question the deal,” Lavrov said, adding that “holding elections in Ukraine would be the optimal solution.”
As Ukrinform previously reported, Pope Leo XIV proposed holding peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in the Vatican, after a prior meeting in Istanbul failed to bring the key parties together.
