Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to Pope Francis' readiness to visit Kyiv

This is stated in the comments of the speaker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko, reports UNIAN.

"The Ukrainian side has repeatedly invited the Pope to visit Ukraine. We believe that this visit will strengthen the role of the pontiff in restoring peace on Ukrainian soil, as well as support the spirit of Ukrainians who are experiencing indescribable suffering due to Russian aggression," Nikolenko said.

"It is significant that Moscow is now ignoring the readiness of the Holy Father to visit Russia in every possible way. This is yet another evidence that the Russian regime wants war, not peace," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

"It's time to deepen our ties with those who genuinely want it. We renew the invitation to Pope Francis to visit our country and urge him to continue praying for the Ukrainian people. Good will certainly defeat Russian evil," Nikolenko said.

Previously, the Pope said that he intends to visit Canada this month and hopes that after that he will be able to go to Moscow and Kyiv as soon as possible.