Ukraine firmly rejected Pope Francis’s recent suggestion to negotiate with Russia, asserting its commitment to resisting Moscow’s aggression.
Despite the Pope’s call for Kyiv to consider talks with the invading force, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized their unwavering resolve, stating, “Our flag is yellow and blue. This is the flag by which we live, die and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags.”
The Pope’s remarks, likening negotiations to raising a white flag, faced strong opposition in Ukraine, with officials drawing parallels to historical events and urging the Vatican to avoid compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Vatican officials clarified that the Pope advocated for a cessation of hostilities through negotiation, not capitulation.
Despite this, Western diplomats and Ukrainian officials criticized the perceived suggestion of surrender.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba expressed hope for a visit from Pope Francis, emphasizing Ukraine’s enduring struggle against Russian aggression and the need for international support, particularly from the Catholic Church.
This isn’t the first time the Pope has faced criticism over his handling of the Ukraine conflict, with previous controversies arising from perceived biases in his statements.
