NEW DELHI: Pope Francis has expressed his views on the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, urging Ukraine to have the courage of the “white flag” and negotiate for peace.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, Francis said that Ukraine should not give up but should instead engage in negotiations to end the conflict.
This statement was made before Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan’s recent offer to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia to resolve the war.Erdogan made this offer after a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has emphasised the importance of peace while maintaining territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy’s peace plan includes the withdrawal of Russian troops from all of Ukraine and the restoration of its state borders.
However, the Kremlin has rejected these terms and has shown no willingness to engage in peace talks on Kyiv’s terms. When asked about the debate between those who believe Ukraine should surrender and those who believe it would legitimise the actions of the stronger party, Francis replied, ‘The strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, and has the courage to negotiate.’ He emphasised the need for talks with the assistance of international powers.
Francis stressed that negotiation is a courageous act, especially in the face of defeat. He urged Ukraine not to be ashamed of negotiating and to find a mediator before the situation worsens. The Pope mentioned Turkey as one of the countries that have offered to mediate. Last year, he sent a peace envoy to Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington to explore possibilities for peace.
In the interview, Francis also discussed the war between Israel and Hamas, stating that negotiating is never a surrender. He highlighted the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts and avoiding further loss of life. Zelenskyy previously revealed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Pope Francis’ call for negotiations and his emphasis on the courage it takes to engage in talks provide a fresh perspective on the Ukraine-Russia war. As the conflict continues to claim lives and cause suffering, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and the need for international assistance.
The offer by Turkish president Erdogan to host a summit presents a potential opportunity for dialogue and progress. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, but the voices advocating for negotiations and peace are growing stronger.
(With agency inputs)
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, Francis said that Ukraine should not give up but should instead engage in negotiations to end the conflict.
This statement was made before Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan’s recent offer to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia to resolve the war.Erdogan made this offer after a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has emphasised the importance of peace while maintaining territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy’s peace plan includes the withdrawal of Russian troops from all of Ukraine and the restoration of its state borders.
However, the Kremlin has rejected these terms and has shown no willingness to engage in peace talks on Kyiv’s terms. When asked about the debate between those who believe Ukraine should surrender and those who believe it would legitimise the actions of the stronger party, Francis replied, ‘The strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, and has the courage to negotiate.’ He emphasised the need for talks with the assistance of international powers.
Francis stressed that negotiation is a courageous act, especially in the face of defeat. He urged Ukraine not to be ashamed of negotiating and to find a mediator before the situation worsens. The Pope mentioned Turkey as one of the countries that have offered to mediate. Last year, he sent a peace envoy to Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington to explore possibilities for peace.
In the interview, Francis also discussed the war between Israel and Hamas, stating that negotiating is never a surrender. He highlighted the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts and avoiding further loss of life. Zelenskyy previously revealed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Pope Francis’ call for negotiations and his emphasis on the courage it takes to engage in talks provide a fresh perspective on the Ukraine-Russia war. As the conflict continues to claim lives and cause suffering, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and the need for international assistance.
The offer by Turkish president Erdogan to host a summit presents a potential opportunity for dialogue and progress. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve, but the voices advocating for negotiations and peace are growing stronger.
(With agency inputs)