Pope Francis, has in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, suggested that Ukraine should exhibit the “courage of the white flag” and engage in negotiations to bring an end to the war with Russia, stemming from Moscow’s invasion two years ago.
This statement preceded Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s recent proposal to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia for peace talks, a move that came after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Istanbul. Zelenskiy, emphasizing his desire for peace, has insisted on retaining all territory and outlined a peace plan calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, a condition the Kremlin has rejected.
The interview with Pope Francis touched upon the debate over whether Ukraine should surrender, considering its challenges in repelling Russian forces, or if doing so would legitimize the actions of the stronger party.
“It is one interpretation, that is true,” Francis said, according to an advance transcript of the interview and a partial video made available to Reuters on Saturday. It is due to be broadcast on March 20 as part of a new cultural programme.
But 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,” [/b]Francis said, adding that talks should take place with the help of international powers.
[b]”The word negotiate is a courageous word. When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate,” Francis said.
It was thought to be the first instance of Francis using terms like “white flag” or “defeated” in discussing the Ukraine conflict, although he has previously emphasized the necessity of negotiations. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni explained that the pope borrowed the term “white flag” from the interviewer, using it to signify a cessation of hostilities and a truce achieved through courageous negotiations. In the previous year, the 87-year-old pope had sent Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a peace envoy to Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington to consult with leaders in those nations.
“One may feel shame,” Francis said about negotiating, “but how many dead will it (the war) end up with? (One should) negotiate in time, find a country that can be a mediator,” Francis said, mentioning Turkey among the countries that had offered.
“Do not be ashamed of negotiating, before things get worse,” said Francis, who has made hundreds of appeals for what he calls “martyred Ukraine”. Asked if he was willing to mediate, Francis said “I am here”.
In another part of the interview, speaking of the war between Israel and Hamas, Francis said: “Negotiating is never a surrender”.
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