Patriarch Theophilos III will serve as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine with the support of Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed the initiative to appoint Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem as a mediator in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The religious leader is expected to help establish a direct line of communication between Moscow and Kyiv to seek ways to peacefully resolve the conflict.

According to Ynetnews, citing sources familiar with the White House meeting, Theophilos III was chosen due to his high standing in the Orthodox world and his reputation as a non-political figure. The Patriarch has previously participated in successful diplomatic initiatives, including facilitating the release of Israeli citizen Naama Issachar from a Russian prison, which confirms his trusting relationship with the leadership of both countries.

As part of this new initiative, Patriarch Theophilos III plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later this month. According to experts, the moral and religious trust that the Patriarch commands is his key advantage in the negotiation process. Trump, for his part, expressed interest in progress on the Ukrainian front, which could significantly influence Washington’s overall strategic priorities on the world stage.

In addition to discussing the Ukrainian crisis, the parties touched on issues regarding the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East. The Patriarch emphasized that the preservation of religious freedom and access to holy sites is a prerequisite for stability and peace in the region. At the conclusion of the meeting, Theophilos III awarded Donald Trump the Order of the Grand Cross of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre—one of the highest honors of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem.