Ukraine has firmly rejected Pope Francis’ call for Kyiv to engage in negotiations with Russia and “have the courage to raise the white flag.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister emphasized the country’s commitment to its blue and yellow flag, stating, “We shall never raise any other flags.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the Pope’s comments as “virtual mediation,” and a Vatican spokesman clarified that the Pope was advocating for negotiation, not capitulation.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, the Pope was asked about the debate on whether Ukraine should seek a settlement with Russia or wave the “white flag.”
The Pope responded, “The strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates.”
However, this statement triggered criticism, with Zelensky praising Ukrainian chaplains on the frontline in his response, emphasizing the church’s role in supporting people directly.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba rejected the idea of raising any flag other than the blue and yellow one, while Ukraine’s ambassador to the Vatican compared the Pope’s comments to advocating talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two.
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski questioned whether the Pope would encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his army from Ukraine.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that the Pope used the image of the white flag to signify a truce achieved through negotiation, emphasizing that negotiations do not equate to surrender.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with Russia’s recent capture of Avdiivka, has left Ukraine on the defensive.
In Washington, a $60 billion bill to support Ukraine has been blocked in the US Congress, and European countries are struggling to reach a consensus on how to aid Kyiv.
Source-BBC
