Explaining complex things in simple words: “Peacemaking” initiatives of the Vatican, affirming truth about war, and prospects for boosting Ukraine’s defenses

“PEACEMAKING” INITIATIVES OF THE VATICAN

Pope Francis urged Ukraine to have “courage of the white flag and negotiate” with Russia.

▪ Pontifical appeals are best characterized by the saying, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

▪ The strongest is the one who, in the battle between good and evil, stands on the side of good, rather than trying to put them on the par and call it “negotiations.” Our flag is blue and yellow, not white.

▪ There are currently no prerequisites for negotiations. The Russian aggressor seeks not peace, but the destruction of Ukraine. Russia uses “peace-loving” propaganda only to mislead Kyiv's allies.

▪ Pope Francis could use all his authority to call on Putin to withdraw the army from Ukraine. With the withdrawal of Russian troops, peace will be restored immediately without negotiations.

▪ We call on Pope Francis to make an Apostolic Visit to Ukraine to support more than a million Ukrainian Catholics, more than five million Greek Catholics, all Christians, and all Ukrainians.

AFFIRMING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR

The Ukrainian documentary film 20 Days in Mariupol directed by Mstyslav Chernov wins the Oscar award from the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

▪ For the first time in history, the Ukrainian film wins the most prestigious award in the film industry. This is an outstanding achievement of the project team and international recognition of Ukraine's achievements.

▪ Footage for the film 20 Days in Mariupol was shot during the barbaric siege of the city by Russian troops. Ukrainian journalists, risking their lives, documented the lives of Mariupol residents, secretly took out the footage through enemy checkpoints.

▪ The film by Mstyslav Chernov shows the truth about the tragedy of the Ukrainian city and those who caused it. Thanks to the award, millions of people around the world will learn this truth.

▪ Russian propaganda is trying hard to distort the history of the siege of Mariupol and shift responsibility for its own crimes to Ukraine. Marking the documentary film with an Oscar award negates these attempts.

▪ The truth about Mariupol is important for understanding the very essence of this war. Russia came to our land as an invader, murderer, and colonizer. We have no right to forget and cannot forgive Moscow for its crimes.

PROSPECTS FOR STRENGTHENING UKRAINE'S DEFENSES

▪ Another large-scale offensive of the enemy failed after the capture of the ruins of Avdiivka. With such losses, Russia will not have enough human or material resources to conquer Ukraine.

▪ Ukraine is rapidly erecting powerful defensive positions along the line of contact and in the rear. This will further raise the price of an invasive war for Russia.

▪ The Czech Republic is ready to transfer 800,000 artillery shells to Ukraine within a few weeks. This is crucial assistance to the Defense Forces.

▪ France is strengthening Europe's moral readiness for the possible involvement of its military contingents to defeat the aggressor.

▪ Ukraine still needs the support of allies—timely and sufficient volumes of weapons and ammunition. The cost of delaying is too high. It's about human lives.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security