MFA Ukraine outraged by Pe’s new attempt to equate war victim with aggressor

That’s according to eg Nikenko, MFA Ukraine’s spokesman, who took to Facebook to comment on the issue, Ukrinform reports.

He noted that on Good Friday, a massive religious event took place in Rome – the Cross Procession, which symbizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and faith over despair.

"We are deeply grateful to Pe Francis for his concern for Ukraine and Ukrainians. Unfortunately, we are forced to state that this year's Procession was once again overshadowed by an attempt to equate the victim and aggressor," Nikenko noted.

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He explained that it is about the texts that were recited during the 10th Station of the Cross: on behalf of a Ukrainian teenager who found refuge in Italy after his home city of Mariup was captured by Russian tros, and a Russian boy whose brother, a sdier, lost his life while his father and grandfather went missing as participants in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

"We are disappointed that the Hy See took no account of the arguments offered by the Ukrainian side on the offensive nature of such a gesture. The joint participation of the Ukrainian and Russian (teens – ed.) distorts the reality into which Russia plunged Ukrainians, carrying out genocide against them. Moreover, such a step undermines the principles of justice and universal morality, and discredits the concept of peace and brotherhood," spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

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He added tha trying to put an equation sign between Ukraine, which is suffering, and Russia, which is causing this suffering, does not contribute to reconciliation.

"Reconciliation can come only after the Ukrainian victory, prosecution of all Russian criminals, repentance for the suffering and asking for forgiveness from the Ukrainians. We expect that the Hy See will continue to adhere to an approach based on a deep understanding of justice and responsibility for the restoration of peace in Ukraine and the establishment of justice," Nikenko concluded.

As reported earlier, on April 15, 2022, in the Cosseum in Rome, a Cross Procession was held, which was led by Pe Francis. According to the decision made by the Vatican, it was Ukrainian and Russian women who handed over the cross at the 13th Station, which symbized the reconciliation of nations. Both women work together in a hospice.