This was confirmed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who spoke to the Italian daily La Stampa.
Vatican Reacts to Istanbul Outcome
Cardinal Parolin described the Istanbul meetings as a disappointment:
“All this is tragic because we hoped that a process would begin, perhaps a slow one, but with a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Instead, we are back at the beginning.”
He added that the Vatican remains ready to facilitate a dialogue:
“The Pope intends to make the Holy See available for a direct meeting between the two sides, if necessary.”
Context and International Reactions
-
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, recently stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest actions show a clear lack of interest in peace, reinforcing the need for increased sanctions.
-
US President Donald Trump also said that no peaceful settlement is possible without his direct meeting with Putin.
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced skepticism about the Istanbul summit, echoing concerns that the format may be insufficient to secure real progress.
What’s Next?
As efforts in Istanbul appear to stall, the Vatican's offer could mark a turning point in diplomacy. The Holy See has a long-standing tradition of hosting delicate negotiations and maintains diplomatic relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
Whether the Vatican’s proposal will be accepted by both parties remains uncertain, but the escalating urgency of the conflict may push stakeholders to reconsider new frameworks for resolution.
