Vatican: The first condition for negotiations on ending the war is the cessation of Russian aggression
Kyiv • UNN
The Vatican clarified that Russia must first stop its aggression in Ukraine as a condition for negotiations to end the war, emphasizing that stopping aggression is the responsibility of the aggressor, not the victim.
The Secretary of State of the Holy See Pietro Parolin clarified the words of Pope Francis regarding the "white flag" and negotiations with Russia, saying that in order to start a diplomatic solution to the war, Russia must stop its aggression in Ukraine. This was reported by UNN with reference to Corriere della Sera.
The pontiff's call is for "conditions to be created for a diplomatic solution in the search for a just and lasting peace." In this sense, it is obvious that the creation of such conditions is not the responsibility of one of the parties, but of both, and the first condition, in my opinion, is the cessation of aggression
He noted that we should not forget the context, in this case, the question that was asked of the Pope, who responded by speaking of "the courage of negotiations, which is never a surrender." According to him, the Holy See adheres to this line and continues to call for a "ceasefire"
"The aggressors must first cease fire and then start negotiations. The Holy Father explains that negotiations are not weakness, but strength. It is not surrender, but courage," Parolin emphasized.
When asked if there was still a chance to reach a diplomatic solution, he said that "there is always a possibility to reach a diplomatic solution.
"The war unleashed against Ukraine is not the result of an uncontrollable natural disaster, but of human nature alone, and the same human will that caused this tragedy also has the opportunity and the duty to take steps to put an end to it and open the way to a diplomatic solution," the Holy See Secretary of State summarized.
Context
The other day Pope Francis, speaking about the war unleashed by Russia, said that Ukraine should have what he called the courage of the "white flag" and negotiate.
A little later Vatican Press Secretary Matteo Bruni explained that Pope Francis declared a "white flag" expressing hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, referring to Ukraine as a country that has always been a "martyr"
