Ukraine's foreign minister rebuffs Pope's call for negotiation

In an interview with Swiss public broadcaster RSI, Pope Francis said Ukraine should show the "courage" to negotiate an end to the conflict with Russia. This excerpt was quoted by Reuters, and the full interview is scheduled for broadcast on March 20.

"The stronger individual is the one who understands the situation, thinks of the people, and has the bravery to raise the white flag and negotiate," said the Pope. He further emphasized the importance of negotiation, particularly when defeat seems imminent or when situations worsen, advocating for dialogue with the engagement of international powers.

The Pope's statements sparked widespread controversy. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, responded passionately: "Our flag is blue and yellow. It's the symbol for which we live, die, and triumph. We will never raise another flag," he posted on social media.

"The true strength lies in siding with good in the battle against evil, not in equating both and labeling it 'negotiation,'" Kuleba expressed on the X platform.

"At the same time, when it comes to the white flag, we know this Vatican's strategy from the first half of the twentieth century. I urge to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to support Ukraine and its people in their just struggle for their lives." Kuleba shared.

"We are grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for his continuous prayers for peace. Despite two years of devastating conflict in Europe's heart, we still hope the Pope will visit Ukraine. Such a visit would support over a million Ukrainian Catholics, more than five million Greek Catholics, all Christians, and every Ukrainian," Kuleba appealed in English and Ukrainian.