Lavrov Rejects Vatican as Venue for Ukraine Peace Talks

Lavrov Rejects Vatican Peace Talks, Citing Inappropriateness and Legitimacy Concerns Moscow, May 23, 2025 – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly rejected proposals to hold the next round of peace talks with Ukraine in Vatican City. In a statement delivered at a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov argued that the Vatican, as a Catholic institution, is an unsuitable venue for negotiations between two Orthodox nations. He stated, "It's not very elegant, I'd say, when the Orthodox countries will discuss the issues of addressing the root causes at a Catholic venue." Lavrov's statement underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the deep-seated religious and political divisions involved. His emphasis on the need for legitimate representatives to sign any future agreements highlights the sensitivity surrounding the negotiation process and the potential for future disputes over the validity of any deals reached. The video also notes that Russia is working on a memorandum that will focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict. While Lavrov did not elaborate on the specifics of the memorandum, his comments suggest a Russian strategy focused on long-term solutions rather than immediate ceasefires. The rejection of the Vatican as a venue adds another layer of complexity to the already difficult peace process. The choice of a neutral and acceptable location for future talks remains a critical hurdle to overcome in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.