ROME: Pope Francis has said in an interview that Ukraine should have what he called the courage of the "white flag" and negotiate an end to the war with Russia that followed Moscow
Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience at the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Dec 14, 2022. has said in an interview that Ukraine should have what he called the courage of the"white flag" and negotiate an end to the war with Russia that followed Moscow's full scale invasion two years ago and that has killed tens of thousands.
The Ukrainian leader's own peace plan calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops from all of Ukraine and the restoration of its state borders. The Kremlin has ruled out engaging in peace talks on terms set by Kyiv. "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," Francis said, adding that talks should take place with the help of international powers.
"One may feel shame," Francis said about negotiating,"but how many dead will it end up with? negotiate in time, find a country that can be a mediator," Francis said, mentioning Turkey among the countries that had offered.