Ukraine slams Pope’s white flag comments
- 11 March, 12:10
Ukraine has strongly criticized Pope Francis’ comments suggesting that Ukraine must negotiate an end to its war with Russia. The 87-year-old pontiff said Ukraine must have "the courage to raise the white flag".
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was quick to reject the Pope's words, writing on social media that: “Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live, die, and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags.” Ukraine's ambassador to the Vatican compared the Pope's comments to those who advocated talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy did not make direct reference to the Pope but mentioned religious figures helping inside Ukraine.
“They support us with prayer, with their discussion and with deeds. This is indeed what a church with the people is,” Zelenskiy said.
Pope made the remarks in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, recorded in February and scheduled to broadcast on March 20.
The Pope was quoted as saying: "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."
