Zelensky's Vatican visit hinges on the outcome of Russia talks
In an interview with the French newspaper Liberation, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed earlier information that he plans to go to Vatican City on Sunday for the inaugural mass of the new Pope Leo XIV. He added that he would probably meet 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 Pope Leo XIV on Sunday.
- Talks with Russia: The first peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in a long time are scheduled for Thursday in Turkey, which may affect the Ukrainian president's subsequent plans.
- Visit to Turkey: Zelensky also has a meeting planned with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which will take place 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 the new Pope Leo XIV this coming Sunday. However, as he noted, everything depends on the outcomes of the diplomatic talks with Russia.
Zelensky indicated that Sunday is the most likely day, provided everything unfolds as expected, though he acknowledged uncertainty about how the week would conclude.
What are Ukraine's diplomatic plans?
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he would be willing to meet personally with Vladimir Putin in Turkey, following Donald Trump's statement that direct talks are needed to determine whether 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 current uncertainty by noting that the situation has become so unpredictable that it’s impossible to say what the next day might hold.
Pope Leo XIV and the war in Ukraine
The new Pope Leo XIV will celebrate an inaugural mass on Sunday at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, where numerous foreign leaders are expected. As the head of the Ukrainian president's office, Andrij Yermak, previously informed, Zelensky plans to attend if only "wartime obligations" allow it.
In a phone conversation with Reuters, an official 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 the organization of such meetings. The Pope also promised to "do everything in his power" to help achieve a just and lasting peace.
