The political scientist assessed the role of the Vatican in the negotiations on Ukraine

European leaders can use the Vatican as a negotiating platform for the Ukrainian settlement in order to join the negotiation process. This opinion was expressed by political scientist, Associate Professor Vladimir Shapovalov, Deputy director of the Institute of History and Politics of Moscow State University, on Thursday, May 22.

"Western leaders know that Russia, firstly, will not agree to a Western platform, and secondly, it does not see Europe as a participant in the negotiation process at all," the expert said in an interview with Lenta.Ru .

According to the political scientist, in this regard, European leaders are trying to use the special status of the Vatican, since it is not unfriendly towards Russia, which means that they can offer a new platform and join these negotiations.

At the same time, Shapovalov stressed that currently only Western sources are talking about the possible continuation of negotiations in the Vatican.

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Earlier in the day, The Wall Street Journal newspaper wrote that the next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on the settlement of the conflict could take place in the Vatican in mid-June. 360.ru .

It is noted that the American delegation will also be present at the meeting. It may include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, RT reports.

On May 20, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Vatican had expressed a desire to host talks between Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, he added that so far no specific decisions have been made about the place of continuation of possible future contacts. He stressed that the Russian side is grateful to everyone who is ready to contribute.