“Only the restoration of truth and full international condemnation of everything that led to Russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine can form the foundation of a just and lasting peace,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav stated in an interview with the Italian edition of Il Foglio.
The UGCC Department for Information cited several theses of His Beatitude Sviatoslav regarding a just peace.
Today, amid various news reports, we often hear the term “just peace.” However, its frequent use risks reducing it to a mere slogan, negating its true meaning. Moreover, the Western vision of a “just peace” often contrasts significantly with that of the Ukrainian people.
Without truth, a just peace is impossible
Speaking about the fundamental principles of a just peace, His Beatitude Sviatoslav emphasized that without restoring the truth, a just peace is unattainable. He explained, “This war is filled with lies and propaganda that have infiltrated various aspects of life and international relations.”
“For years, Russian propaganda has sought to discredit our nation, spreading its own version of history and false narratives about the current situation in order to justify aggression against our people,” the Head of the UGCC continued.
“Without a clear distinction between the truth and the biggest lie of our time — the ideology of the ‘Russian world’ — the end of the war in Ukraine will never result in a just and lasting peace,” His Beatitude Sviatoslav concluded.
Condemnation of Russian aggression is the key to lasting peace
However, simply knowing the truth is not enough. The complete condemnation of everything Russia’s genocidal war has caused at the international level is what will ensure such atrocities are never repeated, the Head of the UGCC argued.
“Let us remember that unpunished evil will eventually resurface, even more forcefully and with more drastic consequences,” said His Beatitude Sviatoslav.
Thus, the Church, according to the Head of the UGCC, must focus on these critical aspects to ensure that future political and diplomatic decisions lead to a just and lasting peace rather than an illusion of peace.