Pope says Ukraine must have 'courage of the white flag' of negotiations
Vatican City (Svidomi) — Pope Francis has said in an interview with the Swedish newspaper RSI that Ukraine should have what he called the courage of the "white flag" and negotiate an end to the war with Russia. The interview was recorded in early February this year, Reuters reports.
"I think that 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," Francis said, adding that talks should take place with the help of international powers.
"One may feel shame, but how many dead will it [the war] end up with? [One should] negotiate in time, find a country that can be a mediator. Today, for example, in the war in Ukraine, there are many willing to mediate. Türkiye has offered itself for this and others,"
Pope Francis said.
Turkish President Erdoğan has previously reiterated his readiness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. He said this during a video address to the participants of the Ukraine Southeast Europe Summit in Tirana summit in late February. Erdogan stressed that Türkiye supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
