The mistake of the Pope
Pope Francis suggested that Ukraine should “raise the white flag,” implying the country should admit defeat in the war and start peace talks with Russia. This statement was made during an interview on Swiss television, broadcasted last weekend. The Pope’s remarks were perceived as beneficial to Russia, with the English Telegraph reporting that it “played directly into the hands of Russia.” The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “disappointment” with the Pope’s statements, and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister asserted that Ukraine would never capitulate. Russia welcomed the Pope’s comments, interpreting them as an acknowledgment that Ukraine cannot strategically defeat Russia. The war in Ukraine, initiated by a Russian invasion, has been ongoing for two years, resulting in Russia annexing territories through referendums of questionable legitimacy.