Rome, Italy – Pope Francis of the Vatican has spoken out against the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, denouncing the violence as “madness.” The Pope’s remarks came after facing criticism for suggesting that Ukraine should open talks with Russia by showing the “courage of the white flag.” However, his deputy clarified that Russia must first cease its aggression. The Russian Embassy to the Holy See praised Francis as a proponent of humanism and peace on the 11th anniversary of his election.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the “evil” actions of Russia, following deadly missile attacks in various parts of Ukraine, including his hometown of Kryvyi Rih. The recent missile strike in Kryvyi Rih resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and left 43 people wounded, including 12 children, with the youngest being a two-month-old infant, according to governor Serhii Lysak.
In a separate development, the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, which is under Russian control, reported that a critical infrastructure facility at the plant was shelled by the Ukrainian army. The incident involved an explosive device being dropped near diesel fuel tanks, with the International Atomic Energy Agency being notified about the attack. Battlefield reports from both sides have yet to be independently verified.
Meanwhile, European Union member countries have agreed to provide €5 billion for military aid to Ukraine, as part of an overhaul of the European Peace Facility fund. The decision follows months of discussions, with France and Germany playing key roles in the negotiations. The EU’s foreign policy chief emphasized the bloc’s support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
On another front, China and NATO engaged in their eighth military staff dialogue on security policy in Beijing. Discussions focused on defense matters and the international situation, with an emphasis on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The meeting underscored the importance of continued engagement between China and NATO in addressing global security challenges.
In a move to further diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s chief of staff met with the Chinese ambassador in Kyiv to discuss a recent visit by a Chinese envoy and preparations for a peace summit aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. The dialogue highlighted Ukraine’s efforts to garner support from Beijing in addressing the crisis and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Ukraine’s peace plan includes the withdrawal of Russian troops, restoration of borders, and accountability for actions taken by Russia.