Pope Says Ukraine Should Negotiate End to War with Russia

• Pope Francis, whose previous remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war have prompted controversy from both sides involved in the conflict, again faces scrutiny after suggesting that Ukraine should seek a negotiated end to the war. Associated Press (LR: 3 CP: 5)
• In excerpts of an interview with Swiss television published Saturday, the pope stated: "I believe that those who see the situation, those who think about people, those who have the courage to raise the white flag and negotiate are stronger." UKRINFORM
• "[I]t is possible to negotiate with the help of international forces," he added, saying: "The word negotiate is brave, it is not synonymous with surrender." UKRINFORM
• The remarks were published a day after Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Turkey on Friday, meeting counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In a press conference with the Ukrainian leader, Erdoğan again offered to host a peace summit between Russia and Ukraine. France 24
• However, Zelenskyy once again ruled out direct negotiations with Russia at this stage, instead pushing Ukraine's idea of a "peace formula" that he aims to discuss with Western countries without the presence of Moscow. The Kyiv Independent
• "We do not see how we can invite people who block, destroy and kill everything," Zelenskyy said. He added that to achieve "a just peace for Ukraine ... civilized countries will develop a plan, and only then Russia's representatives will be involved." The Kyiv Independent

Pro-Ukraine narrative:

• How can Ukraine negotiate with a nation that has illegally invaded the country, terrorized its people, and destroyed so much of its infrastructure. Peace will only come on Ukraine's terms, which must be discussed between Ukraine and its Western partners, and then imposed on Russia at a later date.
  THE KYIV INDEPENDENT

Pro-Russia narrative:

• Russia has repeatedly stated that it's open to negotiations to bring an end to this conflict — it is Ukraine obstructing peace talks, as Kyiv has outlawed negotiations with Russia and refused to cooperate. The idea of staging a "peace formula" without the participation of Russia is non-sensical.
  TASS

Nerd narrative:

• There's a 50% chance there will be a bilateral cease-fire or peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by April 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
  METACULUS (LR: 3 CP: 3)