Jerusalem Patriarch Seeks Putin and Zelensky Talks to Mediate Ukraine Conflict

In an exclusive interview, Patriarch Theophilos III of the Jerusalem Patriarchate outlined a plan to arrange talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aiming to ease the Orthodox-linked conflict in Ukraine. He highlighted his recent audience with Donald Trump at the White House, where he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and received Trump’s blessing to act as a mediator.

Theophilos described the Patriarchate of Jerusalem as a global reference point for unity and said its mission extends beyond holy sites to fostering peace worldwide. He noted backing from the Greek government and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and recalled a 2020 gathering in Amman led by King Abdullah II of Jordan that sought Orthodox dialogue. The patriarch stressed that his role is spiritual, not political, and called for leaders to listen to ordinary citizens affected by the war. He also expressed hope for broader regional stability, mentioning ongoing suffering in Gaza and the wider Middle East.