Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Chief Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan, addressed the Pope's controversial suggestion about Ukraine raising a "white flag."
This was reported by Nikkei.
"How we approach the negotiations that will determine the future of Ukraine, including the nature of the ceasefire negotiations, should depend on the will of the Ukrainian people," stressed the Chief Secretary.
Hayashi further condemned the initiation of early voting in the Russian presidential election within Ukraine's occupied territories. He labeled the act of "holding elections based on illegal annexation" as "unacceptable."
Global Responses to Vatican's Comments
In a recent interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, the Pope stated that "the stronger will be the one who has the courage to raise the white flag" and that "negotiation is brave." He also called for negotiations "before it's too late."
His remarks sparked widespread discussion, leading to Matteo Bruni, the head of the Vatican's press office, clarifying that the Pope had merely echoed the journalist's wording about a "white flag."
Moreover, the Pope allegedly reaffirmed his "deep attachment" to the Ukrainian people. The Pope's statements received significant attention, including criticism from Ukraine and concerns raised by Poland and Latvia.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to the Pope's statement, saying that the flag of Ukraine is blue and yellow, and "we will not raise other flags."
Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered a poignant critique of the Pope's call for peace, pointing to the destruction caused by Russian military actions and questioning who truly needs to cease their aggression to end the war.
