Pope Francis on Russia and Europe: Sevastyanov

Pope Francis believes that Europe should engage in negotiations regarding Ukraine and begin lifting sanctions against Russia instead of imposing new ones. This was stated by Leonid Sevastyanov, the head of the World Union of Old Believers, during an interview with RIA Novosti, recalling his conversation with the pontiff.

“I spoke with Pope Francis, and he thinks Europe should participate in the negotiations concerning Ukraine. However, to do that, it shouldn't impose new sanctions against Russia, but rather start lifting the previously established sanctions,” Sevastyanov said.

According to the Pope, this also applies to the international court, noting that “the order to arrest President Putin should be annulled.”

“Restrictions on the movement of Russians to Europe should be lifted. Flights between Russia and Europe should be restored. Sanctions against officials in the country’s leadership should be revoked. Without this, Europe’s participation in negotiations becomes technically challenging,” he recounted the pontiff's views.