Ukraine rejects pope’s call to negotiaate with Russia over war

Ukraine has vehemently opposed Pope Francis’s recent call for Kyiv to engage in negotiations with Russia and to “have the courage to raise the white flag” to end the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine’s foreign minister asserted that the nation would “never raise any other flags” except its blue and yellow colours, symbolizing its unwavering identity.

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Pope’s comments, labelling them as “virtual mediation” and emphasizing the nation’s commitment to its resilience.

A Vatican spokesman later clarified that the Pope intended to convey the idea of stopping the fighting through negotiation rather than implying surrender.

The Pope’s remarks were part of an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, recorded in February, and are set to be aired on March 20 as part of a cultural program.

The interviewer had prompted the Pope to comment on the ongoing debate within Ukraine about seeking a settlement with Russia, colloquially referred to as “waving the white flag,” and the potential implications of such an action.

The Pope was quoted as saying, “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. When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate.”

This statement triggered a barrage of criticism, with President Zelensky not directly addressing the Pope in his nightly video address but praising the work of Ukrainian chaplains on the frontline.

He emphasized the church’s role in being with the people, providing support through prayer, conversation, and deeds.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also took to social media to assert Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to its national flag, stating, “Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags.”

The Pope’s comments have faced backlash on various fronts, with comparisons made to those who advocated talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two. Ukrainian social media, including the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, also criticized the remarks.