Foreign Ministry criticizes Vatican for equating Ukraine and Russia

Attempts to put an equal sign between Ukraine, which is suffering, and Russia, which is causing suffering, do not contribute to reconciliation.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the Facebook page of the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleh Nikolenko.

"Yesterday, on Good Friday, a great religious event took place in Rome - the Procession of the Cross. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and faith over disbelief. We are deeply grateful to Pope Francis for his concern for Ukraine and Ukrainians," said Nikolenko.

However, he noted that this year's procession was again marred by an attempt to equate the victim and the aggressor.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson explained that he was referring to the texts that were read out during the 10th station of the procession: on behalf of a Ukrainian teenager who found refuge in Italy after Russian troops captured Mariupol, and a Russian boy whose military brother lost his life and whose father and grandfather went missing as participants in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

"We are disappointed that the Holy See did not take into account the arguments of the Ukrainian side about the offensive nature of such a gesture. The joint participation of a Ukrainian and a Russian distorts the reality in which Russia has plunged Ukrainians, implementing genocide against them. Moreover, such a step undermines the principles of justice and universal morality, and discredits the concept of peace and brotherhood," he emphasized.

Nikolenko also noted that "attempts to put a sign of equality between Ukraine, which is suffering, and Russia, which is causing suffering, do not contribute to reconciliation."

According to him, reconciliation can only come after the Ukrainian victory, punishment of all Russian criminals, repentance for the suffering caused, and apology to Ukrainians.

"We expect that the Holy See will continue to adhere to an approach based on a deep understanding of justice and responsibility for restoring peace in Ukraine and establishing justice," the spokesman added.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 09/04/2023