The Pope’s made the suggestion in an interview he granted last month but was belatedly published only on Friday after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan offered to host a summit between the warring nations.

On Friday, the Catholic Pontiff advised Ukraine to have the courage to wave the “white flag’ and negotiate for a ceasefire with Russia that initiated the attack two years ago, resulting in the deaths of thousands.

Zelensky did not directly refer to Pope Francis but said he appreciated those supporting his country :with prayer, with their discussion and with deeds.”

“Not 2,500 kilometers away, somewhere, virtual mediation between someone who wants to live and someone who wants to destroy you,” the Ukrainian leader stated in his video address to his embattled nation.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba posted on the X (formerly Twitter) messaging platform, saying that the strong person in any dispute “stands on the side of good rather than attemptin g to put them on the same footing and call it negotiations.”

“Our flag is a yellow and blue one. This is the flag by which we live,k die and prevail. We shall never raise any other flags,” he wrote.

Kuleba recalled that there have been allegations that Pope Pius XII fell silent against the Nazi’s notwithstanding its invasion and atrocities against Germany’s neighbors in Europe.

“I urge (the Vatican) to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to support Ukraine and its people in their just struggle for their lives,” said Kulaba.

Ukraine’s Eastern Rite Catholic Church headed by Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuck also opposed the pope’s comments.

He said: “Ukraine is wounded but not conquered! Ukraine is exhausted but it stands and will stand.

During an interview with Radio Television Suisse last month, Pope Francis was asked if he supports the view that Ukraine must now must now surrender or if he considers surrender would only legitimize Russia’s aggression.

“That is one interpretation. But I believe that the stronger is the one who sees the situation, who thinks of the people, who has the courage of the white flag, to negotiate,” the Catholic leader said.

He added: “And today, negotiations are possible with the help of international powers. The word ‘negotiate’ is a courageous word. When you see that you are defeated that things are not going well, it is necessary to have the courage to negotiate.”

“You may feel ashamed but with how many deaths will it end. Negotiate in time; look for some country that can mediate,” Pope Francis stated.

He noted that there are a number of countries that are willing to mediate in order to reach a ceasefire, adding that Turkey is one.

“Do not be ashamed to negotiate before things get worse,” the head of the Catholic church stated.

Said the Pope: “As I renew my very deep affection for the martyred Ukranian people and pray for all, especially for the many innocent victims, I implore that a little bit of humanity can be found that allows the creation of the conditions for a diplomatic solution in search of a just and lasting peace.”