Pope can play a decisive role in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia – Rezazade
After the telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Putin, discussions on the possible involvement of the Vatican in mediation in the war between Ukraine and Russia intensified at the international level.
As noted by the first vice president of the Iranian opposition in Washington, international expert Ali Reza Rezazade, the initiative to hold negotiations under the mediation of Pope Leo XIV is promising, but currently faces a number of serious political and practical obstacles.
“The Vatican has centuries of experience in conflict resolution, and the new Pope demonstrates an active humanitarian position in support of Ukraine. His authority, moral weight and non-political position provide unique opportunities to launch the negotiation process,” Rezazade emphasized.
President Trump supported the idea of a meeting in the Vatican, stating that such a step “could help relieve tension.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Malone confirmed that she had already contacted the Pope at the initiative of the US and received his consent to accept the negotiations.
However, according to Ali Reza Rezazade, the difficulties remain serious. In particular, the Russian side categorically refuses to accept a ceasefire before the negotiations, which effectively makes any meaningful dialogue impossible. “The Kremlin is openly playing for time, continuing hostilities, while simulating readiness for negotiations,” the expert emphasizes.
In addition, according to Rezazade, there are technical and legal difficulties: EU sanctions and a ban on entry for Russian officials make it impossible for them to officially arrive in the territory of Italy, which surrounds the Vatican. This creates risks for the very implementation of such a platform.
"The Pope's involvement is a positive signal for the world, but to prevent this initiative from becoming symbolic, a consolidated position of the West on a ceasefire, diplomatic pressure on the Kremlin, and real protection of Ukrainian interests is needed," Ali Reza Rezazade summarized.
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During his annual address to Congress, US President Donald Trump said that Iran is working on creating missiles that could soon reach the territory of the United States. At the same time, he emphasized that he prefers a diplomatic settlement, but does not rule out forceful steps if the threat persists.
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Новости «Новости мира»
During his annual address to Congress, US President Donald Trump said that Iran is working on creating missiles that could soon reach the territory of the United States. At the same time, he emphasized that he prefers a diplomatic settlement, but does not rule out forceful steps if the threat persists.
Президент США Дональд Трамп во время ежегодного обращения к Конгрессу заявил, что Иран работает над созданием ракет, которые в ближайшем будущем могут достичь территории Соединённых Штатов. При этом он подчеркнул, что отдаёт предпочтение дипломатическому урегулированию, однако не исключает силовых шагов в случае сохранения угрозы.
At the end of February 2026, the United States concentrated the largest number of military equipment and personnel in the Middle East in more than 20 years. Dozens of fighter jets, aircraft carriers and escort ships arrived in the region, which created an unprecedented grouping in the Persian Gulf.
В конце февраля 2026 года Соединённые Штаты сосредоточили на Ближнем Востоке наибольшее количество военной техники и личного состава за последние более чем 20 лет. В регион прибыли десятки истребителей, авианосцы и корабли сопровождения, создавая беспрецедентное военное угруппирование в районе Персидского залива.