Pope's envoy in Moscow to discuss Ukraine conflict, possible solutions with Russia

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Wednesday that Pope's special envoy cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi is in Moscow and will meet with presidential advisor for foreign affairs Yury Ushakov later in the day to discuss the Ukraine conflict and possible solutions.

"On behalf of (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, Presidential aide Ushakov will hold talks with him (cardinal Zuppi) today and discuss the situation around the conflict in Ukraine and, of course, possible ways of a political and diplomatic settlement," he said at a press briefing in Moscow.

Peskov said Moscow appreciates the Vatican's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict, as well as Pope Francis' intention to contribute to its resolution.

According to the official, the attempted mutiny of the paramilitary Wagner Group will not have an impact on Russia's military cooperation with the Central African Republic (CAR).

Following the Wagner Group uprising on June 24, media reports claimed that African countries where the group provided security services voiced concern about future cooperation with this structure.

"We have state-level cooperation with the CAR. We will continue. It is backed up by the necessary agreements. And, of course, our military advisers will continue their activities in the necessary and demanded quantity," he said.

When asked about legislation governing the activities of organizations similar to the Wagner Group, Peskov said discussions are taking place in the parliament and government.

The spokesman dismissed "rumors" that one of Russia's military chiefs, Sergey Surovikin, was aware of the Wagner Group's plans to organize a rebellion.

Commenting on detailed information provided by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko about his talks with Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, he stated that the Kremlin has no objections.

When asked about the UN report on children in armed conflicts, the spokesman said Moscow strongly rejects accusations of harming, kidnapping, and using children as a live shield and for reconnaissance purposes.

"We strongly reject such formulations. Our military, repeatedly risking their own lives, took measures to save children, to take them out from under shelling, which, by the way, the armed forces of Ukraine conducted against civilian infrastructure.

"The Russian Federation does not strike at civilian infrastructure. Strikes are carried out on objects that are somehow connected with the military infrastructure," he stressed.​​​​​​​