Pope Francis Urges Ukraine to Show Courage and Raise the White Flag for Negotiations

In a recent statement made on Saturday, Pope Francis emphasized the need for Ukraine to show bravery by raising its flag of surrender and agreeing to enter into negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing crisis.

Speaking to Swiss radio station RSI, in an interview that will be broadcast later this month, the Pope said, "I believe the strongest party is the one who sees the situation from a better perspective, and it is the same individual who thinks about the people and has the courage to raise the white flag and negotiate."

He further added, "Today, negotiations can be facilitated with the help of international powers. The word 'negotiation' is a bold term synonymous with 'courage.' When you realize you are losing and things are going awry, you need to have the courage to negotiate. Regardless of feeling ashamed and weak, how many losses and deaths are needed to understand the necessity to end this war? Return to the negotiation table at the right time and look for a suitable country to act as a mediator."

Pope Francis noted that several countries are willing to mediate the Ukrainian crisis, specifically mentioning Turkey. "Do not be ashamed to negotiate. Have the courage and move towards a solution before the situation worsens," he urged.

Regarding his readiness to offer mediation efforts, the Pope stressed, "Negotiations are never a sign of surrender," and added, "Courage does not lie in pushing the country towards the abyss of self-destruction."

Earlier, Pope Francis had called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine that would lead to a just and lasting peace, following the second anniversary of the crisis's inception.

On the other hand, the Russian leadership, led by President Vladimir Putin, has expressed Moscow's readiness to negotiate with Kyiv and the concerned parties in this conflict, provided that the new realities on the ground are recognized and Russia's demands are taken into consideration.

Kyiv, however, has refused to negotiate and, with Western support, continues to pursue military solutions despite the significant loss of life, equipment, and the destruction inflicted on its infrastructure.