Russia hails Vatican's role in Ukrainian settlement efforts

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Thursday praised the Vatican's role in Ukrainian settlement efforts.

Zakharova highlighted that since the onset of the Ukrainian crisis, the Vatican has maintained a neutral and balanced stance, expressing its willingness to offer any possible assistance in achieving peace and ending hostilities.

"The Russian side has always regarded Pope Francis's peacekeeping initiatives with attention and respect, in contrast to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently dismissed the Holy See's mediation offer rudely," she said in a statement.

Commenting on Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin's statements emphasizing the necessity of Russia's participation in discussions on peaceful settlement issues, Zakharova noted that the Vatican official "voiced what was obvious to any sane person from the very beginning": a long-term and just peace is impossible without Moscow's involvement and consideration of its perspective.

"One can only hope that the Cardinal's arguments have been acknowledged," she said.

Zakharova underscored that Parolin's stance is consistent with the Vatican's general mediation approach.

Given the significance of the Secretary of State's position in the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, Russia takes his statements seriously and regards them as the Holy See's official stance, she said.

"As of today, there have been no official requests regarding a visit from Parolin to Russia. The dialogue with the Vatican continues," she asserted.

Russia is open to cooperating with all parties seeking to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, she said, citing Russia's well-known interests and current realities.