Pope Francis appeared to suggest that Ukraine show the “courage to raise the white flag” and attempt to negotiate an end to the NATO-backed conflict with Russia. This recommendation was met with outrage from Ukrainian officials, determined to continue their fight at enormous cost to European and American taxpayers.
Responding to the backlash, the Vatican’s director of communications, Matteo Bruni, said the Pope used the “white flag” as a metaphor for peace negotiations.
Ukraine’s war with Russia has been ongoing for two years, with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson most recently held accountable for its continuation.