President of Finland Aleksander Stubb has announced that a first round of technical-level negotiations aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war may take place in the Vatican as early as next week.
Speaking to Finland’s national broadcaster, Stubb stated that the talks could involve representatives from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and several European countries. He characterised this stage of the process as a “technical consultation”, rather than a political breakthrough.
President Stubb added that European states are expected to play an increasingly significant role in the negotiation process, though he acknowledged that there are still serious obstacles to launching substantive talks.
The announcement comes amid renewed international attention on possible diplomatic solutions to the conflict. According to information available from recent diplomatic contacts, Russian President Vladimir Putin has committed to preparing a memorandum outlining Moscow’s conditions for a ceasefire. This pledge was reportedly made during a recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
That call between Trump and Putin has caused controversy. Following their exchange, President Trump abruptly reversed his earlier insistence on an unconditional ceasefire—a position he had previously repeated publicly and consistently. In a statement that contradicted his earlier remarks, Trump claimed he had never advocated such a position. This assertion has been challenged by both European allies and members of the U.S. Congress.
Trump’s apparent pivot to a stance more aligned with Russia’s may provide the Kremlin with space to propose its own terms for a cessation of hostilities. Trump has reportedly advised Putin to put forward proposals that would not be immediately dismissed by Ukraine or its European partners.
The Vatican venue introduces its own complexities. Although Italy has imposed sanctions against numerous members of Russia’s political leadership—formally barring them from entering Italian territory—the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that, under the Lateran Treaty, it can grant access to the Vatican via diplomatic corridors at the request of the Holy See. This clarification ensures that Russian envoys can attend negotiations in Vatican City without legal or logistical hindrance.
To date, President Putin has not moderated any of his earlier maximalist demands, which have consistently stalled negotiations. Nonetheless, the prospect of Vatican-based discussions has created a new diplomatic channel—albeit one still dependent on Russia’s willingness to engage constructively and Washington’s readiness to balance engagement with Moscow against the strategic concerns of Ukraine and its European partners.
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