Ukraine declares 'never raise white flag'

Ukraine has vowed never to surrender, after Pope Francis said Kiev should have the "courage to raise the white flag" and negotiate an end to the conflict.

Foreign Minister Kuleba's comments came after Reuters news agency on the same day revealed part of the content of an interview with Pope Francis scheduled to be published on March 20, in which he was asked to comment on the controversy over whether Ukraine should give up and accept negotiations to end the fighting.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Berlin, Germany on November 2, 2023. Photo: AFP

The reporter used the phrase "white flag" when asking the question. Pope Francis said that the strongest side is "the one who thinks of ordinary people, has the courage to raise the white flag and start negotiations when looking at the situation".

According to Mr. Kuleba, "in the battle between good and evil, the strongest is the one who chooses to stand on the side of good instead of putting both sides on an equal footing and calling it 'negotiation'". Foreign Minister Kuleba thanked Pope Francis for always praying for peace and hoped he would visit Ukraine soon.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni earlier said Pope Francis had borrowed the reporter's phrase "white flag" to express the wish for all sides to "end hostilities and reach peace through courageous negotiations".

Nhu Tam (According to AFP )

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/ukraine-tuyen-bo-khong-bao-gio-giuong-co-trang-4720661.html