SENT TO KIEV. «To resolve this war I do not see diplomatic or political solutions. Let the weapons stop. Even a dead child is a crime, because in him the whole world is killed ». Visvaldas Kulbokas, apostolic nuncio to Ukraine, is on the front line, deeply marked by these months of conflict, but since February he has stopped all collateral activities to meet the commitments of a country that is experiencing unspeakable humanitarian tragedies. He agrees to speak, because it is “important to send a message of truth”. He remembers the thousands of desperate appeals that he has received, of Ukrainians whose war has taken everything away.
Archbishop, do you believe in a possibility of peace?
“There is a ferocious war right now. The responsibility lies with those who unleashed it. There may also be contributing causes, but it’s not the time to investigate them. In the face of the atrocities, the inhumanity that we see, those questions lose their meaning, because there is no other choice that can be justified but that of stopping the weapons. I do not see effective political mediations. Whoever is attacking must stop the bloodshed, there are hundreds, often thousands of civilian and military casualties every day. In today’s world we respect animals. I wonder: are we really respecting human beings at least on an equal footing with animals? “
Is it right to arm Kiev, or is there a risk of escalation?
“It is not for me to launch into discussions of how many weapons and who should have them, but it is clear that the question cannot only concern Ukraine, but, even before it, Russia. However, in front of God, this is not the fulcrum. The answer I know must never be the war, but the conversion, not only of the one who started the war, that is, of the aggressor. Because every war, and I am now speaking from tormented Ukraine, challenges the whole of humanity. It is not right that in distant countries there are those who may think “It does not concern us”; such an attitude is inhumane. The Church has only the spiritual weapon of conversion, otherwise we remain on the military field, with the results we know ».
Is Pope Francis the only card to convince Putin?
«I really hope for your mediation. The availability of the Holy Father is very important. It takes a moral authority who is a suitable conciliator. I dare to think that it would be even better if the representatives of all the world’s confessions did it together. But it is evident that Pope Francis is considered a single voice. This is my wish, but I see no signs that it can be realized ».
Tomorrow there will be the three most authoritative European leaders in Kiev: Draghi, Scholz and Macron. Can’t politics play a role?
«To answer I will give the example of something that happened to me last Sunday with the nuns of the Nunciature. On the streets of the capital we noticed an advertising sign that said “Glory to God”, even before “Glory to Ukraine, glory to the heroes”, the greeting that has become traditional here. I see no way out but to call upon the Lord. Politics always submits its economic interest to the humanitarian interest. When it comes to economic aid, we see large sums coming to Ukraine. But compared to the trade budgets, or the military spending of countries, these are ridiculous figures. Economic interests always win, but I repeat, it’s not my field, so I could be wrong ».
Should Ukraine give Russia something to stop the fire?
“When we talk about disarmament, it must concern everyone. As Pope Francis says, as long as you arm yourself, you talk while sitting on a fire that could explode. But it was not Ukraine that started the war. Russia has been pursuing an arms race for years. However, if you want to achieve something, everyone must make a sacrifice, you cannot point the finger at just one ».
What are the fears of Ukrainians right now?
“Even the nuclear threat no longer frightens them. It is all so strong that part of the population has even psychologically disposed of this risk. Every moment you live here is already a gift from God ».
How has your mission changed in three months?
“The problems are many and very big: humanitarian, financial, bureaucratic. Failing mail is also an obstacle. It was a humanly very difficult time for me. We had to prepare for the occupation of Kiev, which luckily did not take place ».
Can you tell us any request that has stuck with you?
“I have a lot of them. I remember the recorded video of a girl from Mariupol, who she confessed that she no longer has any hope of surviving. Her only wish was not to die in pain. Another image is that of the children of an orphanage in Vorzel, near Irpin, who fled in early March after several days spent in the cold, without light, in the basement: they looked sad and tired. Or the Bible found by a Borodianka firefighter in an eighth floor apartment. He was in the children’s room. I keep it here with me. We no longer know anything about that family. When I take it, I cry ».
What is your prayer for peace?
«I agree with that of the little ones, which is much stronger than mine. Pope Francis says war is an invention of the devil. And then yes, as a bishop I also made many exorcism prayers so that all this ends ».
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