Ukraine rejected Pope Francis’s call for negotiation with Russia to end the war, with President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissing the pontiff’s efforts as “virtual mediation” and affirming Ukraine’s refusal to surrender, Reuters reports.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized the Pope’s remarks about the “courage of the white flag,” emphasizing their commitment to their national flag, stating that “Our flag is a yellow and blue one,” and that “We shall never raise any other flags.” Archbishop Shevchuk of Ukraine’s Eastern Rite Catholic Church also rejected the Pope’s comments, expressing Ukraine’s determination not to surrender.
The pope’s comments have also drawn criticism from European officials, who argue for continued resistance against Russian aggression, calling for pressure on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine instead.
