Pope Francis says Ukraine should have "courage of the white flag" against Russia
Pope Francis encouraged Ukraine to pursue peace negotiations with Russia, advocating for the courage to engage in dialogue and not be hesitant to seek solutions at the negotiating table.
During an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, the pope emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of people and seeking diplomatic resolutions, suggesting that international support should facilitate these discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated the country's stance on not directly engaging with Russia in peace talks, asserting that any initiative for negotiations should come from the aggressor nation.
As Russia gains ground in the conflict, and Ukraine faces ammunition shortages, there's cautious discussion among Western allies about potential military support.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that the pope's use of the term "white flag" mirrored language from the interviewer and wasn't a siding with Russia. Throughout the conflict, Francis has aimed to maintain diplomatic neutrality, emphasizing the need for negotiations and mediation.
The pope highlighted the courage required for negotiations, emphasizing that it's not a sign of surrender but a proactive step towards resolving conflicts.
He also noted the willingness of some countries, including Turkey, to mediate in the Ukraine crisis, urging parties to consider diplomatic solutions before the situation escalates further.
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