“Before it gets any worse”
Pope Francis: Ukraine should raise a “white flag”.
March 9, 2024, 8:06 p.m
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In a radio interview, Pope Francis comments on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In the conversation, the pontiff suggested that the government in Kiev raise the “white flag”. “Don’t be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse,” said the church leader.
According to Pope Francis, Ukraine should have the courage to raise a “white flag” and negotiate an end to the war with Russia. He thinks “that the strongest is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, has the courage of the white flag and negotiates,” said Francis in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, which was reportedly conducted in February. but is scheduled to air for the first time on March 20th. “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you must have the courage to negotiate,” Francis said.
According to the interview transcript, seen by Reuters, Francis was asked whether he stood with those who called for Ukraine to give up because it had not been able to retaliate against Russia, or with those who said it would give up legitimize the actions of the strongest side. The interviewer used the term “white flag”.
Francis raised the question of how many deaths there would be in the end of the war and said that discussions should involve international powers and a mediator. “Don’t be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse,” the pope said. In another part of the interview, which focused on the war between Israel and Hamas, he said: “Negotiation is never a surrender.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said he wants peace. However, he is calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the entire Ukraine and the restoration of the Ukrainian state borders. Russia has rejected peace talks on terms set by Kiev. On Friday, Turkey was in talks to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia.