Ukraine ought to have the braveness of the ‘white flag,’ negotiate finish of warfare with Russia

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis stated in an interview that Ukraine, going through a potential defeat, ought to have the braveness to barter an finish to the war with Russia and never be ashamed to take a seat on the identical desk to hold out peace talks.

The pope made his enchantment throughout an interview recorded final month with Swiss broadcaster RSI, which was partially launched on Saturday.

“I believe that the strongest one is the one who appears on the scenario, thinks concerning the individuals and has the braveness of the white flag, and negotiates,” Francis stated, including that talks ought to happen with the assistance of worldwide powers.

Ukraine stays agency on not partaking instantly with Russia on peace talks, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated a number of occasions the initiative in peace negotiations should belong to the nation which has been invaded.

Russia is gaining momentum on the battlefield within the warfare now in its third 12 months and Ukraine is working low on ammunition. In the meantime, a few of Ukraine’s allies within the West are delicately elevating the prospect of sending troops.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated Saturday that Francis picked up the “white flag” time period that had been utilized by the interviewer. He issued an announcement of clarification after the pope’s “white flag” feedback sparked criticism that he was siding with Russia within the battle.

All through the warfare, Francis has tried to keep up the Vatican’s conventional diplomatic neutrality, however that has usually been accompanied by obvious sympathy with the Russian rationale for invading Ukraine, akin to when he famous that NATO was “barking at Russia’s door” with its eastward enlargement.

Francis stated within the RSI interview that “the phrase negotiate is a brave phrase.”

“If you see that you’re defeated, that issues should not going nicely, it’s a must to have the braveness to barter,” he stated. “Negotiations are by no means a give up.”

The pope additionally reminded people who some international locations have supplied to behave as mediators within the battle.

“As we speak, for instance, within the warfare in Ukraine, there are various who need to mediate,” he stated. “Turkey has supplied itself for this. And others. Don’t be ashamed to barter earlier than issues worsen.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — whose NATO-member nation has sought to stability its shut relations with each Ukraine and Russia — has supplied throughout a go to Friday from Zelenskyy to host a peace summit between the 2 international locations.