War in Ukraine – Zelensky categorically rejects the Pope's proposal

The church must be among the people. It is not two and a half thousand kilometers away, somewhere, to actually mediate between someone who wants to live, and someone who wants to kill you,” Zelensky said in his daily video address on Sunday.

He went on to say that “when Russian evil started this war,” “all Ukrainians stood up to defend themselves.” Christians, Muslims, Jews – everyone.”

Zelensky thanked all Ukrainian clergy who cooperate with the defense. They contribute at the forefront through prayer and good deeds, and as partners in the conversation, Zelensky said.

“This is how the church is with people,” he said.

Lawyers' negotiations

Pope Francis has come under fire for calling for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

“The strongest are those who see the situation, think about the people, and have the courage to raise the white flag and negotiate,” Pope Francis said in an interview in February, which was partly published over the weekend.

Moreover, he said that Ukraine should not be ashamed if it went to negotiations, and noted that Turkey had offered to mediate, among other things. This step came in an interview with Swiss Radio RSI. The full interview with the Pope will not be published until March 20.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also commented on the call.

-Our flag is yellow and blue. Under this flag we live, die and win. We will never raise any other flag,” says Kuliba.

Polish currency

Some Ukrainian supporters interpreted the move as unilateral, directed only at Ukrainians, and a call for surrender.

– What about urging Putin to have the courage necessary to withdraw the army from Ukraine without compensation? Then peace would come immediately without the need for negotiations, as Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski wrote in X.

Also in Germany, the Pope's statements were met with sharp reactions from politicians.