International Desk, Delhi – Magazine: Pope Francis called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be open to negotiations.
He also said that he deeply regrets Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories.
“I am deeply saddened by the difficult situation that has been created in recent days by further actions that are contrary to the principles of international law. This increases the risk of nuclear escalation, which causes fear of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences all over the world,” he said.
The Pope asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop this spiral of violence and death” and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “to be open to serious proposals for peace”.
“My appeal is primarily to the President of the Russian Federation, and I am begging him to stop this spiral of violence and death, even out of love for his own people.”
“On the other hand, I make an equally hopeful request to the President of Ukraine to be open to a serious peace proposal,” he added.
He also called on the international community to “do everything possible to end the war without being drawn into a dangerous escalation” and to support any attempt to resolve the conflict through dialogue.