In Response to the Pope: Stoltenberg Says Ukraine Needs Weapons, Not White Flags

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Monday that he disagrees with Pope Francis's statements that Ukraine should have the "courage of the white flag" and negotiate to end the war with Russia. In response to a question about the Pope's remarks, Stoltenberg told Reuters, "If we want a lasting peaceful solution through negotiations, the way to achieve that is to provide military support to Ukraine." He added in an interview at NATO's headquarters in Brussels, "What happens at the negotiating table is closely linked to the strength on the battlefield." When asked whether his statements implied that now is not the time to discuss raising the white flag, Stoltenberg replied, "This is not the time to talk about Ukrainian surrender. It would be a tragedy for Ukrainians and pose a risk to all of us."