Ukraine has issued a firm rejection of Pope Francis’s recent suggestion to negotiate with Russia, asserting its determination to never surrender in the face of Moscow’s aggression, despite the pontiff’s call for Kyiv to consider raising the “white flag” in talks with the invading force.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RTS, the 87-year-old Catholic leader urged Ukraine to seek negotiations with Russia, sparking outrage in Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba reaffirmed the nation’s steadfast resolve: “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 remarks, likening surrender negotiations to raising a white flag, were met with vehement opposition in Ukraine. Some officials drew parallels to the Catholic Church’s actions during World War II, urging the Vatican to learn from historical mistakes and avoid supporting compromises detrimental to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Responding to the backlash, Vatican officials clarified that the Pope intended to advocate for a cessation of hostilities through negotiation, not capitulation. However, Western diplomats and Ukrainian officials criticised the perceived suggestion of surrender.
Expressing hope for a visit from Pope Francis, Kuleba emphasised Ukraine’s enduring struggle against Russian aggression and the need for support from the international community, particularly the Catholic Church.
This isn’t the first time Pope Francis has faced criticism over his handling of the conflict in Ukraine. Despite efforts to broker peace through diplomatic channels, the pontiff’s statements have occasionally sparked controversy, with both Ukraine and Russia expressing discontent over perceived biases in his remarks.