Jerusalem patriarch calls Russia's war against Ukraine a 'situation along your western border' in meeting with Putin
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem offered to help mediate talks between Russia and Ukraine during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, describing the war as a "situation along your western border" and calling for dialogue between "brothers" who share the same faith.
According to a Kremlin transcript cited by Russian state media, Theophilos made the remarks during his November 5 visit to Moscow, where Putin awarded him Russia's Order of Friendship for his contribution to strengthening spiritual ties with the country.
"I know there are proposals for negotiations concerning the ongoing situation along your western border," Theophilos told Putin, according to Russian news agency Interfax.
He offered to assist in maintaining a "dialogue between brothers who share our common faith."
The patriarch's remarks avoided explicitly describing Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, instead framing the war as a situation along Russia's border.
According to the Kremlin's account, Theophilos also expressed admiration for Putin, describing him as a defender of the Orthodox faith.
Previously discussed as potential mediator
Theophilos III, who heads the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, had previously been mentioned as a possible intermediary in peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
In summer 2026, Israeli outlet Ynet reported that US President Donald Trump viewed the patriarch as a potential mediator because of his religious standing and past diplomatic contacts.
The report suggested that Theophilos could be seen as a figure trusted by both Russia and Ukraine.
There has been no confirmation that Kyiv has accepted the patriarch as a mediator or authorized him to represent Ukraine in negotiations.