In response to His Holiness Pope Francis’ recommendation that Ukraine should consider negotiations with Russia, the Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has called in the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, on March 11. The Pope, in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, aired on March 9, mentioned that Ukraine needs to show “courage” in pursuing negotiations for peace with Russia, suggesting even the use of the metaphorical “white flag.”
Ukraine communicated its dismay at the Pope’s remarks to Visvaldas Kulbokas as per an official statement. The Foreign Ministry expressed expectations for the Pontiff to encourage global unity to support the triumph of good over evil.
Ukraine insisted that while it earnestly seeks peace, the peace achieved must be just and align with UN Charter principles.
The Ukrainian ambassador to the Vatican, Andrii Yurash, conveyed that the Pope’s opinions are personal and do not necessarily represent the Vatican’s stance.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly address on March 10, lauded Ukraine’s military chaplains for their valor, tactfully not directly addressing the Pope’s comments.
Firmly, Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s resistance ensures that Russian advance is halted and doesn’t extend further into Europe.
In a recent interview with BFMTV, Zelensky associated any cessation of hostilities with providing “oxygen” to Russian President Putin, serving to restore his military’s capabilities, rather than the path to meaningful negotiations.
The Pope’s statement also drew responses from other international leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s spokesperson asserted that Scholz diverges with the Pope on this topic, emphasizing Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
The documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” has garnered the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 96th Academy Awards. The movie documents the Russian siege on Mariupol from the perspective of Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov and his team.
FAQ Section:
- What did Pope Francis suggest in his interview with RSI?
He suggested that Ukraine should not be ashamed to negotiate with Russia and mentioned the need for courage to raise the “white flag” for peace negotiations. - How did Ukraine react to the Pope’s statement?
The Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry showed disappointment with the Pope’s words and underlined their expectation of the Pontiff to promote a global stand against evil. - Does Pope Francis’ statement represent the Vatican’s official stance?
According to the Ukrainian ambassador to the Vatican, the Pope’s opinions are his personal views and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Holy See. - What was President Zelensky’s response?
President Zelensky praised Ukraine’s military chaplains and emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, suggesting that talks would only aid Russian military recovery rather than lead to genuine peace. - Did any other leaders react to the Pope’s remarks?
Yes, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, through his spokesperson, expressed disagreement with the Pope, reinforcing Ukraine’s position as defending itself against an aggressor.
Conclusion:
The Pope’s recent remarks on Ukraine’s approach to the ongoing conflict with Russia have triggered a range of diplomatic responses. Ukraine has articulated its dedication to securing a peace that is fair and upholds the principles of the United Nations. International leaders and Ukraine’s own President Zelensky have contextualized the Pope’s statements, many aligning with Ukraine’s interpretation of negotiations under current conditions as unfavorable. The global community remains attentive to the situation’s evolution as Ukraine stands firm in its position against Russian aggression.
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