US State Department disputes Pope's call for Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine

Head of the U.S. State Department Press Office, Matthew Miller. Photo: Screenshot from state.gov

The U.S. State Department did not support Pope Francis's proposal for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine. During a press briefing on December 9, the head of the State Department's press office, Matthew Miller, said that while the U.S. seeks ceasefires in several conflicts – such as those in Gaza and Sudan – the situation in Ukraine is different.

When asked whether the State Department supports the Pope’s call for a global ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas, Miller responded that the decision on this matter should rest with Ukrainian authorities.

"I think when you – like, if you look at – Ukraine has the right to defend itself. I don’t think you’re going to see Russia heed the Pope’s calls and unilaterally disarm. So as long as Ukraine is under attack, we’ll continue to support their right to defend themselves," Miller stated.

He added that while the U.S. wants to see the end to all conflicts, this does not necessarily mean an immediate ceasefire in every situation, particularly "if it would cause parties to give up their duly-held rights."

"But we do want to see wars resolved and peace brought to the world.," he concluded.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Pope Francis called for a Christmas ceasefire on all global fronts and urged prayers for those sentenced to death in the United States.

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