Pentagon Chief in the Vatican: The war in Ukraine will end with negotiations
The Vatican. Photo: strana.today
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin suggested the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine through negotiations. The Pentagon's press service published a readout following Austin's meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
The participants discussed common global security challenges and the importance of promoting peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
Austin emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the Middle East and to address the situation in Ukraine.
"We need to reduce tensions in the Middle East and find a way to achieve a transition period in Ukraine. We will continue to support Ukraine, as we have said, and they will determine when it is time to sit down at the negotiating table. But, I've said it before, this conflict will end with negotiations at some point," Austin told reporters in Rome.
As previously reported by UOJ, Pope Francis stated that war is always a defeat.
Read also
MP: Rada to introduce Day of Old Rus fleet’s campaign against Constantinople
Maksym Buzhanskyi announced the preparation of a new list of state and "religious" holidays.
In Israel, synagogues and mosques closed due to military conflict
Israeli authorities have banned mass gatherings, including services during Ramadan and before Purim.
Romanian Patriarchate calls for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine
The Romanian Orthodox Church has stated the need for urgent solutions to restore peace and called for prayer for those in the world's military conflict zones.
Kyiv City Council deputy: We aim to ensure no UOC communities in Kyiv region
Tytykalo stated that the deputies set the task of "cleansing the Kyiv region of the UOC".
395 UOC churches damaged by shelling since start of war – report
An updated report on damaged religious sites over four years of war in Ukraine includes data on 395 affected UOC churches, as well as hundreds of destroyed or damaged facilities belonging to other denominations.
GOC opens fundraising drive for Sinai Monastery and Holy Sepulchre Church
The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has called on Greece’s metropolises and parishes to collect donations to support the ancient shrines on Sinai and in Jerusalem.