Peace talks in Ukraine only after Russia halts aggression: Vatican

ROME

Negotiations for peace in Ukraine should come only after Russia stops its aggression, the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said Tuesday.

In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Parolin said that it was “obvious” that both countries should create the conditions to negotiate a cease-fire but that "first of all it should be the aggressors who stop firing."

The interview comes after comments by Pope Francis that Ukraine should “show the courage of the white flag” and start talks to end the war caused a stir in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the papal nuncio on Monday to express disappointment at the Pope’s remarks.

In an attempt to defuse tensions caused by the pontiff’s comments, Parolin said that the Pope’s appeal is for the creation of the conditions “for a diplomatic solution seeking a fair and lasting peace.”

He added: “The Holy See is worried about the risk of an enlargement of the war.”

He also clarified that he considered Russia as the aggressor in the war in Ukraine and that it is up to that country to take diplomatic steps for its end.

“The same human will that caused this tragedy also has the possibility and the responsibility to take steps to end it and to open the way to a diplomatic solution,” Parolin told the newspaper.

Parolin also commented on the war in Gaza, comparing it with the conflict in Ukraine.

“Both situations have in common the fact that they have dangerously grown beyond any acceptable limit, that we don’t manage to solve them, that they have an impact on many countries and that there can’t be a solution without serious negotiations,” he said.

“I am worried about the hatred they are generating. When would it be possible to heal such deep wounds?”