The recent remarks by Pope Francis, calling Ukrainians and Russians ”brothers” and urging them to find understanding, have sparked outrage and disappointment in Ukraine. Former Ukrainian Finance Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov rhetorically questioned the notion of brotherhood during a time of brutal conflict, highlighting the deep wounds inflicted by Russia’s ongoing aggression. Many Ukrainians interpret the Pope’s words as echoing the Kremlin’s rhetoric of a shared heritage, used to justify the invasion and undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. This incident isn’t the first time the Pope’s calls for peace have been met with criticism in Ukraine, as his previous suggestions of a ”white flag” were perceived as insensitive and ignorant of the reality of Russian occupation.
The Pope’s words are particularly painful for Ukrainians given the immense human cost of the war. Official government figures reveal a staggering toll: over 12,000 civilian deaths, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed, and hundreds of thousands wounded. The image of grieving mothers at military cemeteries, like Olena Skljarova mourning her son Serhij, underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on Ukrainian families. The ongoing onslaught of missile attacks and drone strikes against civilian targets further intensifies the suffering and deepens the resentment towards Russia. Against this backdrop of violence and loss, the notion of understanding and reconciliation with the aggressor resonates as profoundly misplaced and insensitive.
Ukraine’s government has officially responded to the Pope’s comments, emphasizing the dangerous implications of labeling Ukrainians and Russians as brothers, as it reinforces the Kremlin’s narrative and justification for the invasion. They argue that genuine understanding and reconciliation can only occur after Russia is held accountable for its actions and justice is served. The timing of the Pope’s remarks coincides with growing uncertainty about the future of US support for Ukraine, with the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency and his historically ambiguous stance on the conflict. Simultaneously, Russia’s President Putin has boasted of military gains, adding to the anxiety and unease in Ukraine.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the Pope’s position as the head of the Catholic Church, which includes the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a community that has historically faced persecution and suppression under Soviet rule. This community, numbering over five million members, represents one of the strongest sources of resistance against Russian influence in Ukraine. Their staunch opposition to Russian aggression further underscores the disconnect between the Pope’s call for understanding and the lived reality of Ukrainians facing the brunt of the war. While Ukrainians undeniably yearn for peace and pray for an end to the conflict, the Pope’s chosen language and framing are perceived as deeply inappropriate and hurtful.
The Ukrainian public’s sentiment towards Russia has undergone a dramatic transformation since the beginning of the conflict. Prior to the 2014 annexation of Crimea, a significant majority of Ukrainians held positive views of Russia. However, years of conflict, loss, and suffering have drastically altered this perception. Current polling data reveals a near-complete reversal, with only a tiny fraction of Ukrainians now holding favorable views of their neighbor. This dramatic shift underscores the depth of the rift created by the war and the difficulty of achieving any kind of reconciliation without addressing the underlying causes and consequences of the conflict.
The Pope’s words, intended to promote peace and understanding, have unfortunately landed as tone-deaf and unhelpful in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. The call for brotherhood and finding common ground, while noble in principle, ignores the fundamental realities of the conflict: unprovoked aggression, immense human suffering, and a deep-seated resentment born from years of conflict. The incident highlights the challenges of mediating complex geopolitical situations and the importance of understanding the historical and emotional context when calling for peace and reconciliation. For Ukrainians, the path to peace does not lie in simply understanding their aggressor, but in achieving justice, ensuring accountability, and securing a lasting and equitable resolution to the conflict.
