Pope Francis made comments last month suggesting Ukraine turn to negotiations with Russia, or surrender, which aired over the weekend and were criticized by Ukrainian officials.
Pope Francis is being criticized by Ukrainian officials for comments made during an interview last month that aired over the weekend, calling for Ukraine to have „the courage of the white flag“ and negotiate an end to Russia’s war with Ukraine.
During an interview recorded last month with Swiss broadcaster RSI, which was partially released on Saturday, the pontiff argued that Ukraine should be open to peace talks with Russia, as Ukraine faces possible defeat.
„I think that the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, and negotiates,“ Francis said in response to a question on whether Ukraine should agree to peace talks or if negotiations would legitimize Russia’s aggression toward the country.
Foreign ministers of both Ukraine and Poland condemned Francis’ remarks on social media on Sunday.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in his post that the strongest one is the one who stands on the side of good while in the fight between good and evil, instead of attempting to put both sides on the same footing with negotiations.
