Rescuers work at a site of a residential building heavily damaged during a Russian missile attack, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine January 23, 2024. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova/File Photo
The Kremlin responded on Monday to a call made by Pope Francis advocating for dialogue to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing the Pope’s stance as “understandable.” Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed a differing perspective, asserting that the current juncture was not conducive to discussions surrounding capitulation.
Pope Francis, in a previously recorded interview, urged Ukraine to exhibit a willingness to engage in negotiations, suggesting a resolution to a conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life. Notably, amidst Western deliberations regarding support for Ukraine and the potential ramifications of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a cessation of hostilities along existing front lines, a proposal rejected by Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the Pope’s call for negotiations, reiterating Russia’s readiness for peace talks. However, Peskov noted the resistance encountered from various stakeholders, including Russia, in recent discussions.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, initiated by Russia’s military intervention in February 2022 under the guise of a “special military operation,” remains a contentious issue. While Russia insists on negotiating based on the territory it has occupied and subsequently annexed, Ukraine maintains its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Contrasting perspectives emerged regarding the viability of negotiations. Peskov dismissed the notion of a strategic defeat for Russia, emphasizing the evolving situation on the ground. In contrast, Stoltenberg stressed the importance of providing military assistance to Ukraine, asserting that a peaceful resolution would only materialize once Russia acknowledged its inability to achieve its objectives militarily.
Regarding the Pope’s intervention, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy characterized it as “virtual mediation,” reaffirming Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to capitulate. Zelenskiy, who previously ruled out direct talks with Putin, reiterated Ukraine’s position of not inviting Russia to an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland.
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