Russia-Ukraine Talks Set to Take Place in Vatican Next Week

Technical-level discussions between Russia and Ukraine are expected to take place next week in the Vatican, according to Finnish President Sauli Niinistö in an interview with public broadcaster Yle. Representatives from the U.S. and European countries are anticipated to participate in these talks. Niinistö emphasized that such a meeting would represent a positive step toward greater international involvement in ending the war in Ukraine. “It is very likely that next week, possibly in the Vatican, there will be a technical-level meeting involving Ukrainians, Russians, Americans, and Europeans,” stated the Finnish president. Highlighting the increasing role of European nations in the peace process, Niinistö noted that “we are entering a phase where Europe is also involved – and this was what we hoped for from the start.” On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump communicated with several European leaders, including Niinistö, to update them on his conversations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin regarding ceasefire negotiations and efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.