The body of the Commission of Bishops of the EU, which deals with external international relations, commented on the massive shelling of infrastructure facilities in Ukraine. The bishops called on the Russian side to suspend hostilities. The bishops urged all parties to initiate negotiations based on "serious proposals" for a just peace that would respect international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Source: Vaticannews
“We express our deep concern over the latest developments in Ukraine and Poland. Since the beginning of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the entire world has been holding its breath, fearing a major global conflict,” says the statement that was shared on November 17 after the meeting of the Commission on External Relations of the EU, operating under the Commission of Bishops of the European Union (COMECE).
According to the authors, the incident that occurred Tuesday evening on the Polish territory at the border with Ukraine "is yet another reminder of how this war bears the risk of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences for the whole of humanity."
Following "Russia’s brutal attacks on cities and civilian infrastructures in Ukraine – in blatant breach of international law - and the incident in Poland," members of the commission offered their prayers to the victims and condolences to their families.
"We also express our closeness to the people in Ukraine left without access to basic services, including water and electricity," they wrote.
The appeal's authors also say, "What else must happen so that finally an end is put to this ‘madness of war? We urge all parties to vigorously work towards de-escalation, and on the European Union, in particular, to step up its diplomatic efforts and continue its active engagement for halting this spiral of violence."
Joining the calls of Pope Francis and the Holy See, the authors of the statement repeat their call "on the Russian side to suspend hostilities and all parties to initiate negotiations based on "serious proposals" for a just peace that would respect international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.