Trump, Jerusalem Patriarch reportedly agree on Ukraine peace talk role

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly aligned with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem on the patriarch's potential role in facilitating new peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv. The initiative, detailed by the Israeli publication Ynet citing sources close to the discussions, seeks to break the current stalemate in the Ukraine war negotiations.

According to the report, Trump and Theophilos III met in Washington last week. Their discussions focused on establishing a new channel for dialogue, leveraging the Patriarch's perceived neutrality and influence within the Orthodox Church. Sources suggest Theophilos III is viewed as a figure respected by both Ukrainian and Russian officials, making him a potentially effective mediator.

The Patriarch's diplomatic credentials include a significant role in the complex negotiations that led to the release of Naama Issachar, an Israeli-American woman arrested in Russia in 2019. His involvement in that case, which saw Russia transfer rights to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre complex in Jerusalem, demonstrated his capacity for high-level mediation.

Sources cited by Ynet describe Theophilos III as a personality without political affiliation, possessing moral and religious authority. This perceived impartiality, combined with his standing in the Orthodox world, positions him as an acceptable interlocutor for both warring parties. Trump's interest in this initiative is reportedly driven by a desire to achieve significant progress in the Ukraine conflict, which could positively influence other strategic priorities for Washington.

The proposed mediation effort comes at a time when peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have seen little progress in recent months. Previous mediation attempts have involved individuals close to the U.S. leadership, including former special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The meeting between Trump and the Patriarch also touched upon the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East and the importance of religious freedom.