Lavrov discussed ideas for a Ukrainian settlement with the Vatican Secretary.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed issues related to the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict with Vatican Secretary for International Affairs Paul Richard Gallagher by phone. This was announced on April 4 in a statement by the Holy See's press service.

"Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher and Sergey Lavrov held a discussion focused on the general framework of world politics, paying special attention to the situation with the <conflict> in Ukraine and some initiatives aimed at ending hostilities," the statement said.

According to the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov and Gallagher expressed mutual interest in continuing a constructive dialogue. They raised the topic of the ongoing Russian-American dialogue on ways to cease fire with the obligatory reliable elimination of its root causes.

In addition, the readiness of the Holy See "to continue its humanitarian efforts for the exchange of prisoners" was confirmed. The parties also discussed issues related to religious life, in particular, the situation of the Catholic Church in the Russian Federation.

Interim pretexts: how is the dialogue between Russia and the United States progressing

The parties will continue to discuss the full—fledged work of the diplomatic missions, but negotiations on the Black Sea Initiative are on hold.

Earlier, on March 31, US President Donald Trump said he wanted Russia's consent to conclude a deal to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The day before, Trump announced his intention to hold a new conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future.

The last telephone conversation between the leaders of the two countries took place on March 18. During the conversation, they exchanged views on the Ukrainian conflict, and also discussed a wide range of areas in which the United States and Russia could establish cooperation.