An Orthodox Patriarch Could Mediate in Ukraine-Russia Negotiations
US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of engaging Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III to mediate in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on a ceasefire. This is reported by the Israeli publication Ynet, citing sources familiar with discussions in the White House.

Theophilos III. Photo: Rachel Sharoni / Pikiwiki Israel
According to the publication, the 74-year-old Patriarch Theophilos III could become an additional channel of communication between Moscow and Kyiv and facilitate dialogue between the parties. It is also claimed that he may have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the end of June. However, there is no official confirmation of this information yet.
Washington believes that Theophilos III is trusted in both Russia and Ukraine, and also has experience participating in humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives. One of his main advantages is cited as his reputation as a non-political figure with high religious and moral authority in the Orthodox world.
Theophilos III has headed the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem since 2005 and is considered one of the most influential Orthodox hierarchs.
According to sources close to the patriarch, the Trump administration hopes to make progress in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war and views this initiative as one of the possible ways to advance the peace process.
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