Nuncio in Ukraine explains why Vatican does not call Russia an aggressor

Visvaldas Kulbokas. Photo: Ukrinform

Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine Visvaldas Kulbokas has explained why the Pope avoids using the words “aggressor” and “aggression” in reference to Russia.

According to the nuncio, the Pope prefers to frame the issue in moral terms. He speaks clearly of “Russia’s war against Ukraine,” but Kulbokas said he does not recall the pontiff using words such as “aggression” or “aggressor.”

“It is always the Pope’s decision which words to use. Sometimes this is also an attempt not to close the door completely to the aggressor – in this case, Russia,” Kulbokas explained.

At the same time, the nuncio stressed that he personally does use the word “aggressor.” Asked about the Vatican’s “red lines” in the issue of achieving peace in Ukraine, he said that the Holy See does not operate with such a category.

“I do not think that anyone in the Holy See has been thinking in terms of ‘red lines.’ Because when I speak with the leaders of the Secretariat of State, they emphasize that, as far as Ukraine is concerned, it is Ukraine itself – the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian authorities – who must consider what agreements may be possible and which lines cannot be crossed,” Kulbokas said.

As for a possible visit by Pope Leo to Ukraine, he said he had never heard any categorical refusals: “I have always heard that this question is under consideration. I have no answers, only hopes.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the nuncio, peace in Ukraine is still a long way off.

Read also