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Pope Francis: “Negotiating is never a surrender”
Photo: Alessia Giuliani / ipa-agency.ne / Independent Photo Agency Int.
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While much of the Western world is trying to support Ukraine in fending off Russia's war of aggression, the head of the Catholic Church has a different suggestion: Ukraine should, in the words of Pope Francis, have the courage to raise a "white flag." to hoist and negotiate an end to the war with Russia.
He thinks "that the strongest is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people, has the courage of the white flag and negotiates," said Francis in an interview with the Swiss broadcaster RSI.
According to the information, the conversation was held in February but will be broadcast for the first time on March 20th.
"When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate," said Francis.
According to the interview transcript, which was obtained by the Reuters news agency, Francis was asked whether he stood with those who called for Ukraine to give up because it had not been able to retaliate against Russia, or with those who said it should give up would legitimize the actions of the strongest side.
The interviewer used the term “white flag”.
Francis raised the question of how many deaths there would be in the end of the war and said that discussions should involve international powers and a mediator.
“Don’t be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse,” said the Pope.
In another part of the interview, which focused on the war between Israel and Hamas, he said: "Negotiating is never a surrender."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly said he wants peace.
However, he is calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the entire Ukraine and the restoration of the Ukrainian state borders.
Russia has rejected peace talks on terms set by Kiev.
On Friday, Turkey was in talks to host a summit between Ukraine and Russia.
eru/Reuters