• 11:14 p.m .: Pope finds it morally acceptable to deliver arms to Ukraine for self-defense

Pope Francis said on Thursday that it was morally legitimate to supply Ukraine with weapons to help it defend itself against Russia.

Speaking to journalists on board the plane bringing him back from a trip to Kazakhstan, the sovereign pontiff also urged Ukraine to be ready for a dialogue with Russia, even "by pinching its nose".

When asked by a journalist whether it was morally right for certain countries to supply arms to Ukraine, invaded by Russia on February 24, François replied: "It is a political decision which can be moral , morally accepted, if made under the conditions of morality."

The pope recalled the principles of "just war" according to the Catholic Church, which authorize the proportionate use of lethal weapons for a country wishing to defend itself against an aggressor.

  • 11:05 p.m .: a “mass grave” discovered in Izium, a city recaptured from the Russians, says Zelensky

A "mass grave" was discovered in Izium, a city recaptured from the Russians a few days ago as part of the Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Kharkiv region (east), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday evening.

"We want the world to know what the Russian occupation has caused," he said, without giving details of the number of people buried or the causes of their deaths.

The investigation has started, "we must have more verified and clear information tomorrow", added Volodymyr Zelensky in his daily video address.

Regional police official Sergiy Botvinov told Sky News that a burial site with around 440 graves had been discovered in Izium.

Some of the deceased were shot dead, others died in shelling, he added.

For his part, Volodymyr Zelensky compared Izium to the cities of Boutcha and Mariupol which became symbols of the atrocities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"Russia is leaving death behind everywhere. And it must respond. The world really needs to hold Russia accountable for this war. We are going to do everything for that," he said.

With AFP and Reuters

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