Vatican offers stage for crucial Ukraine peace talks

• Pope Leo XIV has expressed willingness to make the Vatican available for peace discussions concerning Ukraine.
• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke with the Pope after consultations with the US President, Donald Trump, and European leaders.
• The Vatican could be a venue for negotiations, highlighting the Holy See's commitment to the peace process.

The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, after speaking with Pope Leo XIV, confirmed that the Vatican is willing to make its territory available for peace talks regarding Ukraine.

This significant confirmation occurred during a phone call, which was reported by the Italian Prime Minister's office. "Having heard from the Holy Father confirmation of his willingness to host the next talks between the parties at the Vatican, the Prime Minister expressed her deep gratitude (to Pope Leo XIV) for his continued commitment to peace," stated the Italian government.

The conversation was part of broader consultations involving US President, Donald Trump, and European leaders.

Several European leaders held another conversation on Tuesday with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, before a new round of negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine and a peace agreement, reported the office of Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

In an evening statement, the office in Rome announced that Prime Minister Meloni spoke by phone with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, French leader, Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President, Alexander Stubb, UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.

"It was agreed to maintain close coordination between the partners with a view to a new round of negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and a peace agreement in Ukraine," conveyed the Italian government note.