Joint participation of Ukrainian and Russian teenagers in a religious procession in Rome amid the war distorts reality, - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This was stated by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleh Nikolenko.

"The attempt to equate the victim and the aggressor once again marred this year's procession. We are disappointed that the Holy See did not take into account the arguments presented by the Ukrainian side regarding the offensive nature of such a gesture," Nikolenko said.

"The texts that were read out during the 10th station of the Cross Procession include a Ukrainian teenager who found refuge in Italy after the capture of Mariupol by Russian troops, a Russian boy whose military brother lost his life, and whose father and grandfather went missing as participants in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," Nikolenko continued.

The Foreign Ministry noted that an attempt to put an equal sign between Ukraine and Russia in this context does not contribute to reconciliation. "Reconciliation can come only after the Ukrainian victory, the punishment of all Russian criminals, repentance for the suffering caused and a request for forgiveness to the Ukrainians," the speaker stressed.

"We hope that the Holy See will continue to adhere to an approach that will be based on a deep understanding of justice and responsibility for restoring peace in Ukraine and establishing justice," Nikolenko concluded.