Ukraine responded firmly to Pope Francis's recent call for negotiations to end the conflict with Russia, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterizing the pontiff's involvement as "virtual mediation." Zelenskyy, while not directly mentioning the Pope, emphasized the tangible support received from religious figures within Ukraine, contrasting it with distant attempts at mediation.
The Pope's statements, which included references to the "courage of the white flag" and the need for negotiations, marked a departure from his previous discussions on the Ukraine war. However, Zelenskyy's remarks suggested a reluctance to engage with distant mediators, preferring support from those directly involved in the conflict's impact on Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba echoed this sentiment, affirming Ukraine's commitment to its national flag and rejecting the notion of negotiations that equate the aggressor with the victim. He also invoked historical parallels, urging the Vatican to support Ukraine's just struggle and avoid repeating past mistakes, alluding to controversies surrounding Pope Pius XII's actions during World War II.
Similarly, Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of Ukraine's Eastern Rite Catholic Church, emphasized Ukraine's resilience in the face of adversity and rejected any notion of surrender.
Zelenskyy's stance on negotiations remains clear: the withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity are non-negotiable. However, the Kremlin has consistently refused to engage on these terms, complicating efforts for a peaceful resolution.
Criticism of the Pope's comments also came from European officials, who questioned the balance in his message and emphasized the need for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics both stressed the importance of standing firm against evil and fighting for victory rather than capitulation.
