Donald Trump's proposal to host fresh Russia-Ukraine negotiations at the Vatican has failed to generate interest from Moscow, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed sources.
Russian officials reportedly have no intention of arranging talks for Vladimir Putin at the Vatican or any other location, according to Bloomberg's sources. Instead, Russia's focus remains on the technical discussions initiated in Istanbul recently. The matter is further complicated by resistance from the Russian Orthodox Church against involving the Holy See.
Nevertheless, European officials still view the Vatican as a possible facilitator or mediator. Meanwhile, the U.S. is engaging with Kyiv to secure its agreement for renewed discussions. Washington has also indicated to Moscow its preference to exclude Vladimir Medinsky—who headed Russia's delegation in Istanbul—from any future meeting.