Pope again offers to host Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Vatican

ROME. July 9 (Interfax) - Pope Leo XIV offered on Wednesday once again to host negotiations between Kiev and Moscow in the Vatican, the Vatican press service said in a statement.

"The Holy Father reiterated the willingness to welcome representatives of Russia and Ukraine to the Vatican for negotiations," the statement published following a meeting between Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said.

The Pope "discussed the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a just and lasting peace" at the meeting, it said.

"The importance of dialogue as the preferred means of ending hostilities was reaffirmed" at the meeting, the statement said.

Previously, Russian officials have repeatedly made it clear that the Vatican is not the best venue for negotiations with Ukraine.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said in May that attempts were being made to "force Western venues" on Russia for negotiations on Ukrainian settlement.