Kathmandu— Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s top diplomat, in Moscow on Monday, addressing a range of issues including the Ukraine conflict, alleged Ukrainian attacks on civilians, restrictions on the Russian language, and the treatment of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The meeting also covered broader global concerns such as situations in the Middle East and Africa, alongside shared interests in protecting traditional values and navigating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Moscow characterized the Vatican’s position on the Ukraine conflict as “balanced” and presented its perspective on resolving hostilities.

Ukraine Conflict and ‘Root Causes’

Moscow expressed appreciation for what it described as the Vatican's balanced stance regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, briefing Archbishop Gallagher on Russia’s approach to ending the hostilities by addressing their perceived “root causes.” Lavrov reiterated President Putin’s claim that Russia launched its military operation to protect civilians in the largely Russian-speaking Donbass region and cited Kiev’s deepening military cooperation with NATO as a threat to Russian national security. The two sides also discussed humanitarian efforts related to the conflict, including initiatives aimed at reuniting families separated by the fighting.

Allegations of Ukrainian ‘Terror’

Lavrov accused Ukraine of exhibiting “blatant cruelty” through attacks on Russian civilians, claiming Kiev targets civilian infrastructure daily, including locations frequented by children. He specifically cited a recent wave of strikes in southern Russia that reportedly killed three minors and injured six others at a childcare center in Krasnodar. Lavrov also referenced the May drone strike in Starobelsk, which resulted in 21 deaths, most of whom were teenage girls, calling it a “bloody terror attack” perpetrated by Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Restrictions on Russian Language and Culture

Lavrov accused Kiev of implementing an unprecedented campaign against the Russian language and culture within Ukraine. He asserted that Ukraine is the only country to have outright banned the Russian language, arguing that no other nation has taken such drastic measures targeting Russian speakers. Lavrov discussed these concerns with Gallagher, expressing hope that Vatican diplomats would raise the issue directly with Ukrainian authorities.

Persecution of Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Moscow presented Archbishop Gallagher with a report detailing what it claims is Kiev’s persecution of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The report outlines “unlawful actions” against the church, its clergy, and parishioners, and has been submitted to both the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Lavrov warned that Ukrainian authorities are “legislatively pursuing the destruction of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” urging the Vatican to closely examine the situation. The crackdown includes monastery raids, property seizures, and criminal charges against clergy, with Kiev also supporting a rival Orthodox Church considered schismatic by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Continued Moscow-Vatican Ties

Despite broader geopolitical tensions, Lavrov emphasized that Russia and the Vatican maintain a “trustworthy, friendly and pragmatic” relationship. He praised the Holy See’s commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolutions, reaffirming Moscow's willingness to collaborate closely with the Vatican on humanitarian matters. Discussions also encompassed defending traditional spiritual and moral values, family reunification efforts, prisoner exchanges, and protecting Christian communities globally.

The Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that both sides expressed a desire to continue dialogue on these critical issues, seeking common ground amidst ongoing international challenges.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.