---
title: "Trump and Patriarch Theophilus III: A new dialogue channel between Kyiv and Moscow?"
description: "The Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilus III, could become a new mediator between Ukraine and Russia. Discussion of this initiative took place during a meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. In Kyiv, the idea is evaluated positively, but no official proposals have been received yet 🇺🇸🕊️🇷🇺"
date: 2026-06-08T13:02:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/trump-and-patriarch-theophilus-iii-new-dialogue-channel-between-kyiv-and-moscow
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Trump and Patriarch Theophilus III: A new dialogue channel between Kyiv and Moscow?

![Patriarch Theophilus III in a black robe with a white beard, seated at a table, discusses a new dialogue channel between Kyiv and Moscow involving Trump.](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/08/tramp-i-patriarkh-feofil-iii-novyj-kanal-dialoga/tramp-i-patriarkh-feofil-iii-novyj-kanal-dialoga-1.webp)

A new wave of discussions regarding the search for mediators to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has erupted in global media. This time, the focus is on the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilus III. According to the Israeli publication Ynet, citing RBC-Ukraine, he may become a key figure in establishing a new communication channel between Kyiv and Moscow.

### Meeting in Washington

The initiative comes from the American side. Last Thursday, a 40-minute meeting took place in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Patriarch Theophilus III. The main topic of the conversation was the possibility of launching a dialogue between the two warring parties.

The choice of Theophilus III is not accidental. In the Orthodox world, he enjoys high religious and moral authority, while his figure does not carry a direct political tinge. The Patriarch already has a successful track record of conducting complex diplomatic and humanitarian missions. A striking example is his involvement in the release of Israeli citizen Naama Issachar from a Russian prison.

### Action plan and Kyiv's reaction

According to available data, the Patriarch's entourage has confirmed that a meeting between Theophilus III and Russian leader Vladimir Putin is scheduled for the end of the current month. Experts note that Donald Trump is striving to demonstrate rapid and significant progress in at least one of the key global conflicts to bring the focus back to himself.

As a source from RBC-Ukraine in the ruling team reports, the idea of involving the Patriarch is generally evaluated positively in Kyiv. "Why not? The more mediators, the more answers from Russia about what Putin wants to fight," the publication's interlocutor stated.

However, at the moment, no one has officially approached the Ukrainian leadership with a proposal for mediation. For now, this remains at the level of diplomatic initiatives and discussions.

### Context of international efforts

After returning to the White House, Donald Trump repeatedly stated his intention to achieve an end to the war. Washington maintains contacts with both Kyiv and Moscow, but no significant progress has been made on the issue of a ceasefire. The US distraction with the conflict in the Middle East has only complicated the situation.

Against this backdrop, various proposals periodically emerge. Previously, Vladimir Putin proposed the candidacy of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. However, this initiative was rejected by both Ukraine and official Berlin. Germany stated that it does not consider Schröder a representative of Europe, seeing in the Kremlin's proposal an attempt to sow discord among partners.

Parallel to diplomatic maneuvers, informal contacts continue. Thus, it became known that in May, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv to personally learn Ukraine's position. This fact was confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.