Yurash: Vatican’s neutrality in Russia–Ukraine war is misleading

Andriy Yurash. Photo: ukrinform.ua

Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Vatican Andriy Yurash said that the Vatican’s declared neutrality regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine is actually misleading. The diplomat made the remarks in an interview with Ukrainian Radio, Ukrinform reports.

According to Yurash, the principles of neutrality and non-interference proclaimed by the Vatican in practice involve “special rapprochement, assistance, and constant interaction” with the side subjected to aggression. The diplomat said that, in his view, Vatican representatives “have no questions” about who bears responsibility for the war and with whom efforts should be coordinated to stop the violence in Ukraine.

For this reason, Yurash said, it can be stated that the Vatican unequivocally supports Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity and assists Ukraine on the international stage through all available diplomatic channels.

Andriy Yurash said that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, relations between Ukraine and the Vatican have deepened and taken on a strategic character. According to him, the two sides have never been this close since diplomatic relations were restored in 1992.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in early August, Pope Leo once again called for an end to the war in Ukraine, urging both sides to observe humanitarian law and stop strikes on civilian targets.

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