Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, Vatican
Pope Francis keen to meet Ukraine war negotiators during Budapest visit

The Intelligence Gazette
Russia using Hawala payments, Vietnam's new Paris defence attaché, ISC renewal, Silk Roads into Europe, Kremlin/Vatican's parallel diplomacy

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

Russia/UKRussian embassy uses Hawala payments to dodge sanctions

Vietnam/France Hanoi appoints new defence attaché to Paris embassy

United KingdomNew Westminster intelligence committee crew take over

ChinaSecond New Silk Road phase turns towards Europe

Vatican/RussiaKremlin sends back-channel message it is open to Christmas ceasefire

China, Vatican
Beijing tries to reopen dialogue with Vatican as they compete for Ukraine mediation role

Beijing has refused to accept the Vatican as a mediator in the war in Ukraine but the two parties are nevertheless trying to normalise their relations. The Chinese Communist Party could, therefore, take a more flexible approach on certain issues important to the Holy See.

Russia, Vatican
Ultra-nationalists take swipe at Pope's Russian relays

With the tacit approval of their chaperons in the Russian Orthodox Church and intelligence services, nationalist and religious activists have been waging a coordinated campaign against Pope Francis and his Muscovite networks over the past few weeks.

France, Russia, Vatican
Vatican keen to bring Russian and French sherpas to the negotiating table

After putting out feelers in different European capitals, Pope Francis' team is hoping to bring the French and Russian presidential diplomatic advisers at the Vatican together to discuss Ukraine. The invitation was welcomed by Moscow.

Russia, Vatican
Unlikely alliance in Moscow pushes for Pope Francis Nobel Peace Prize nomination

The World Union of Old Believers in Moscow, which maintains mixed relations with the Kremlin and the Orthodox Church, has joined forces with the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winning journalist Dmitry Muratov to campaign for the pontiff to be nominated for the prestigious prize.

Russia, Vatican
Moscow ready to welcome the pope...but only after the war

Pope Francis had to hold off plans to visit Russia as part of his efforts to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. The Russian Orthodox Church, which also wants to play a role in resolution of the conflict, is trying to adopt a more open position.