Ukraine's Zelensky eyes pivotal Vatican meeting amid peace talks
In an interview with the French newspaper Liberation, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that he plans to go to Vatican City on Sunday for the inaugural Mass of the new Pope Leo XIV and will probably meet with the Pope that day. The decision depends on the progress of talks with Russia.
What do you need to know?
- Meeting with the Pope: Volodymyr Zelensky plans to meet with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday.
- Talks with Russia: The first peace talks in a long time between Ukraine and Russia are scheduled for Thursday in Turkey, which may impact the Ukrainian president's further plans.
- Visit to Turkey: Zelensky also has a meeting planned with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which will take place on Wednesday or Thursday.
Will the meeting with Pope Leo XIV take place?
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in an interview with the French newspaper "Liberation" that he plans to meet with the new Pope Leo XIV this coming Sunday. However, as he noted, everything depends on the outcomes of the diplomatic talks with Russia.
Zelensky mentioned that Sunday is the most likely timeframe, assuming everything goes as planned, though he also acknowledged that the week's outcome remains uncertain.
What are Ukraine's diplomatic plans?
President Zelensky said on Sunday that he would be willing to meet personally with Vladimir Putin in Turkey, after Donald Trump stated that direct talks are needed to determine if peace is possible.
The Kremlin has not yet responded to the Ukrainian president's offer, maintaining uncertainty about the composition of the Russian delegation that will go to Turkey.
In an interview with the French newspaper, Zelensky underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that circumstances have become so uncertain that it is impossible to predict what the next day might bring.
Pope Leo XIV and the war in Ukraine
The new Pope Leo XIV will celebrate his inaugural Mass on Sunday at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, with numerous foreign leaders expected to attend. As the head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andrij Yermak, previously informed, Zelensky plans to attend if "wartime obligations" allow.
An official speaking with Reuters on the phone said that Zelensky would be willing to hold talks with other world leaders on the sidelines of this event.
Yermak added that Leo XIV, during his first phone conversation with Zelensky on Monday, told the Ukrainian president that he is ready to facilitate the organization of such meetings. The Pope also promised to "do everything in his power" to help achieve a just and lasting peace.
