Zelensky's crucial Vatican visit hinges on Russia talks
In an interview with the French newspaper Liberation, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed earlier reports that he plans to travel to Vatican City this Sunday for Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass. He mentioned that he may 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 future plans.
- Visit to Turkey: Zelensky also has a meeting planned with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday or Thursday.
Will the meeting with Pope Leo XIV take place?
Ukraine's 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 suggested that Sunday is the tentative target, assuming all proceeds as planned, though he admitted there's still uncertainty about how the week will conclude.
What are Ukraine's diplomatic plans?
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr 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, the Ukrainian president highlighted the deep uncertainty of the situation, noting that the future has become so unpredictable that even the next day remains unclear.
Pope Leo XIV and the war in Ukraine
The new Pope Leo XIV is slated to celebrate an inaugural mass on Sunday at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, where numerous foreign leaders are expected to attend. As the head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andrij Yermak, previously stated, Zelensky plans to attend if only "wartime obligations" allow it.
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 the first phone conversation with Zelensky on Monday, told the Ukrainian president that he is ready to facilitate organizing such meetings. The Pope also promised to "do everything in his power" to help achieve a just and lasting peace.
