Ukrainian Diplomats Reject Patr. Theophilos as Possible Peace Mediator

Photo: jpost.com

JERUSALEM — Reports that Patr. Theophilos III of Jerusalem could potentially serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine have drawn a sharp response from Ukrainian diplomatic representatives in Israel. The controversy emerged after Israeli media reported that U.S. President Donald Trump discussed with the Patriarch the possibility of helping establish a communication channel between Moscow and Kyiv during a meeting at the White House.

Representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel dismissed the idea as "kindergarten-level" and categorically rejected any prospect of such mediation. According to reports citing diplomatic sources, Ukrainian officials compared the Patriarch's potential role to that of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, both of whom have faced criticism over their ties to Russia.

A diplomat from Ukraine's embassy stated that Kyiv would never agree to such an arrangement, arguing that Patr. Theophilos has consistently opposed the granting of the Tomos to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and has declined to recognize the church. The diplomat further alleged that the Patriarch had received financial support from the Moscow Patriarchate and wealthy Orthodox benefactors, while also accusing him of maintaining close relations with Russian officials and said Ukraine had no intention of cooperating with a hierarch it believes has ignored diplomatic outreach efforts.

The diplomat additionally addressed the status of the Alexander Courtyard in Jerusalem, saying that despite Russian interest in acquiring the property, Israeli authorities have not transferred control. The official suggested that Ukraine could participate in a consortium to help preserve the site if interested parties sought such an arrangement. Diplomatic representatives also maintained that any "voluntaristic decisions" by the Trump administration regarding the matter would have no practical effect on Ukraine's position.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Theophilos awarded President Trump an Orthodox honor.

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