Today, February 22, two days before the anniversary of the Russian Federation's large-scale offensive against Ukraine,

called for a ceasefire and peace talks.

The pontiff said that no victory can be "built on ruins."

He said this during a weekly meeting with pilgrims in the Vatican, Vatican News reports.

"Dear brothers and sisters, the day after tomorrow, February 24, it will be one year since the invasion of Ukraine, one year since the beginning of this absurd and cruel war, a sad anniversary," said the Pope, addressing the pilgrims during a joint audience.

He urged to stay close to the "suffering Ukrainian people".

"The number of dead, wounded, refugees, internally displaced (persons - ed.), destruction, the amount of economic and social damage speaks for itself. Can God forgive so many crimes and so much violence? He is the God of peace. Let us remain close to the martyred Ukrainian people , whose suffering continues, and let's ask: was everything possible done to stop the war?" he said.

Pope Francis also called on those who can help end the war to do so.

"I appeal to those who have power over countries to make concrete efforts to end the conflict, achieve a ceasefire and start peace negotiations. A victory built on ruins will never be real," the pontiff said.

It will be recalled that Pope Francis announced that he is

with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the Russian dictator Volodymyr Putin.

Read also:

• Ukraine news

• War in Ukraine

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