Ukraine has firmly declined Pope Francis’s suggestion to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the Pope’s notion of “virtual mediation,” emphasizing the support Ukraine receives from religious figures through prayers and actions within the country rather than distant mediation efforts.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, responding on social media, insisted Ukraine would not equate itself with the aggressor for the sake of negotiations, reaffirming the national flag’s significance over surrender.
Pope Francis’s remarks about showing the “courage of the white flag” have stirred controversy. They mark a rare instance of using such terms in the context of the Ukraine conflict. These comments were met with resistance from Ukrainian leaders and references to historical Vatican stances during World War II, urging the Vatican to support Ukraine’s struggle without repeating past mistakes.
The debate extends to Ukraine’s religious community, with Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk asserting Ukraine’s resilience and refusal to surrender. Zelenskiy’s stance demands the withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s borders, a proposal the Kremlin dismisses. Pope Francis’s earlier statements have also sparked reactions among European officials and Ukraine’s supporters, who call for Russia’s retreat rather than urging Ukraine to negotiate.
