Vatican and Russia discuss Ukraine conflict and humanitarian efforts

Efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine continue as key diplomatic figures engage in discussions aimed at reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian concerns.

The Vatican's Foreign Minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, held a phone conversation on Friday with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a statement from the Vatican.

The two officials reviewed the current state of the three-year conflict and explored "various initiatives aimed at halting the military actions," the statement said.

Last month, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a limited truce to prevent attacks on each other’s energy facilities. However, both sides have accused each other of breaching the agreement, which was mediated by the U.S.

During the conversation, Gallagher also reiterated the Vatican’s readiness "to continue its humanitarian efforts, particularly concerning the exchange of prisoners," the statement concluded.

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