Ukraine said it has “no knowledge” of a peace mission involving the Vatican to resolve the conflict with Russia.
“President Zelensky has not consented to any such discussions on Ukraine’s behalf,” a Ukrainian official close to the presidential office told CNN. “If talks are happening, they are happening without our knowledge or our blessing".
The official dismissed any papal role after Pope Francis on Sunday told journalists that the Vatican is part of a mission to end the war in Ukraine. “The mission is in the course now, but it is not yet public,” he said after a three-day trip to Hungary.
“When it is public, I will reveal it,” the pope added.
Last week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met Francis at the Vatican and said he had discussed a “peace formula” put forward by Zelensky and invited the pope to visit Ukraine.