The Vatican will not be a mediator in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine — Rubio

The Vatican may become a platform for future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, but it will not be a mediator at them. This was stated to journalists in Rome today before a meeting with the Vatican's chief representative for Ukraine, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Yahoo portal reports with reference to the Associated Press.

According to Rubio, he will discuss with Zuppi "the status of negotiations, updates after yesterday and further actions."

When asked if the Vatican could act as a mediator in the peace process, Rubio replied:

"I wouldn't call him a mediator, but it's definitely — I think it's a place where both sides would be comfortable going."

"So we will talk about all this and, obviously, we will always be grateful to the Vatican for their willingness to play this constructive and positive role," the US Secretary of State added.

Recall, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, promised personally to "make every effort to make this peace prevail," offering the Vatican as a mediator in the negotiations.

As EADaily reported, the Vatican is ready to mediate in any conflicts, including the Ukrainian one. This was stated by Pope Leo XIV, the Bild newspaper reported.

Against the background of the stalling of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey, the Pontiff declared his determination "to do everything possible to stop the bloodshed."