Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed the idea of holding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican, calling it an “unelegant” choice, reports Rks News.
According to The Guardian, Lavrov said it would be inappropriate for two predominantly Orthodox countries to conduct negotiations in a Catholic Christian venue.
“It would be somewhat unelegant for Orthodox states to discuss issues related to resolving the root causes of the war on Catholic soil,” he told AFP.
Lavrov also accused Ukraine of “destroying” the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and added that, given the circumstances, it would be “uncomfortable” for the Vatican to host delegations from Orthodox countries.
On the other hand, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said three countries are being considered as possible locations for the talks: the Vatican, Turkey, and Switzerland.
“We are targeting all three countries, as all of them are good options,” Zelensky said, adding that the final decision will be based on the effectiveness of the meeting, not comfort.
