"Pope's 'White Flag' Comment Sparks Outrage in Ukraine and Russia"

Ukraine strongly rejects Pope Francis' call to negotiate with Russia and "raise the white flag," with President Zelensky dismissing the comments as "virtual mediation" and the foreign minister affirming that Ukraine will only raise its blue and yellow flag. The Vatican later clarified that the Pope was referring to stopping the fighting through negotiation, not capitulation. The statement has triggered criticism, with comparisons to advocating talks with Adolf Hitler during World War Two, and questions about encouraging Russian President Putin to withdraw his army from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains on the defensive as Russian troops continue to advance, and international support for Kyiv faces challenges.