Pope Francis, Vladimir Putin (archive) – Photo by Ansa Foto
Russia is ready to talk with the United States, other countries and with Pope Francis to find solutions to the situation in Ukraine. This was confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
The opening to possible negotiations had already arrived in recent weeks. Yesterday, Moscow repeated it again, but continues not to mention Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, as an interlocutor.
Pope: “Lord, lead us to a lasting peace”
“Let’s not forget to pray, to continue the prayer for the tormented Ukraine. May the Lord protect these people and lead us all on the path to lasting peace”. Thus the Pope during the general audience after the announcement of Moscow’s willingness to accept the mediation of the Holy Father, also requested by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Parolin: “If there is an opening we will take advantage of it”
“Fly? If there is a small opening, we will take advantage of it,” Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said. “Vatican diplomacy remains open and available.”
kyiv: “A diplomatic agreement means that Ukraine must surrender”
“Any offer of ‘diplomatic settlement’ means only one thing: Ukraine must surrender and accept the Russian Federation’s ultimatums while the aggressor avoids punishment. It is only the triumph of Putin and the collapse of international law. Why? The Ukrainian counter-offensive is doing well. Keep helping”. Thus on Twitter the adviser to the Ukrainian president Mikhailo Podolyak.
UN: Moscow requests two additional meetings
Still on the diplomatic front, after the closed-door consultations of the UN Security Council, Russia formally requested this week two other meetings of the fifteen on Ukraine. One today on the integrity of the UN charter and one Thursday on biological weapons. This was stated by Deputy Moscow Ambassador to the UN Dmitry Polyanskiy.
United States: Zelensky must decide on the negotiations
The United States sees no evidence that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons. White House spokeswoman Karine Kean-Pierre said so. The latter, questioned about possible negotiations between kyiv and Moscow, replied that it was up to Zelensky to decide.