Zelensky dismisses pope's appeal for talks with Russia as 'virtual mediation'
In his latest address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of virtual mediation from a distance proposed by Pope Francis for talks with Russia. Though not directly mentioning Francis or his suggestions, Zelensky asserted that the involvement of religious figures in Ukraine was unrelated to these concepts.
- World
- Reuters
- Published Date: 12:24 | 11 March 2024
- Modified Date: 10:27 | 11 March 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday dismissed Pope Francis's call for talks with Russia as "virtual mediation" from a distance.
Zelensky, in his nightly video address, did not refer directly to Francis or his remarks, but said the pope's ideas had nothing to do with efforts by religious figures in Ukraine to help the country.
"They support us with prayer, with their discussion and with deeds. "This is indeed what a church with the people is," Zelensky said. "Not 2,500 km away, somewhere, virtual mediation between someone who wants to live and someone who wants to destroy you."