Trump backed an unusual candidate for mediator between Ukraine and Russia – media
Kyiv • UNN
Donald Trump has supported involving Patriarch Theophilos III in negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. The head of the church may meet with Putin as early as this month.
US President Donald Trump has supported the idea of involving Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem as a mediator in efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The issue was discussed during a meeting at the White House last week, Ynet News reports, according to UNN.
According to the publication's sources, during the talks in Washington, the parties discussed the possibility of using the authority of the head of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church to establish a communication channel between Moscow and Kyiv.
The publication's interlocutors note that Theophilos III is considered a figure who can be trusted by both sides of the conflict due to his authority in the Orthodox world, as well as his previous participation in diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.
His main advantage lies in the fact that he is a non-political figure who enjoys religious and moral trust
According to Ynet News, the Patriarch may hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month as part of this initiative.
Sources close to Theophilos III believe that Trump seeks to achieve at least some progress in one of the world's largest conflicts, and any advancement on the Ukrainian track could also influence Washington's strategic priorities in other regions.
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In addition to the war between Ukraine and Russia, the meeting also raised the issue of the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East, the protection of religious freedom, and access to holy sites.
The protection of Christian communities and holy sites, the preservation of religious freedom and open access to shrines is not only a religious issue, but also a condition for stability, coexistence, and peace throughout the region
During the visit, the Patriarch also presented Trump with the Grand Cross Bearer of the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the highest honors of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.