The spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oleg Nikolenko, voiced criticism over the participation of young Ukrainians and Russians in the Way of the Cross ceremony near the Colosseum on Good Friday. The comment appeared on his social media channels, where he described the gesture as offensive and unbecoming of respectful dialogue between nations.
According to Nikolenko, the Vatican should have taken into account Ukraine’s concerns before permitting such a symbolically charged event to unfold. He stated that the absence of consideration for Ukrainian objections signals a broader pattern where sensitive issues connected to Ukraine’s sovereignty are not given appropriate weight in high-visibility religious and diplomatic settings.
Nikolenko, who previously served as the official representative of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also commented on remarks made by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva regarding Crimea. He noted that those mediating international discussions should prioritize the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with the UN Charter, and should avoid any rhetoric that appears to compromise Kyiv’s lawful claims.
While praising Lula da Silva for his stated willingness to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict, Nikolenko emphasized that Ukraine would not exchange its territory. He highlighted that the issue of Crimea remains a fundamental matter of international law and national sovereignty, which should be resolved through negotiations that respect Ukraine’s borders and sovereignty as recognized by the United Nations and the global community.
In a broader sense, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry underscored that international mediation efforts must balance goodwill with firm adherence to established legal principles. Kiev appreciates efforts by various world leaders to contribute to a settlement, yet it continues to insist that any peace process must preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity and ensure the return of all occupied lands. This stance aligns with Kyiv’s interpretation of international law and the UN Charter, which regard sovereignty and territorial integrity as non-negotiable elements of any durable peace in the region.
Observers note that such diplomatic exchanges often reflect tensions between symbolic gestures and legal realities. The incident surrounding the Good Friday ceremony at the Colosseum illustrates how public demonstrations tied to international disputes can provoke strong reactions from governments seeking to safeguard national sovereignty while encouraging dialogue. The Ukrainian position remains clear: diplomacy must pursue concrete outcomes that restore full control over internationally recognized borders, without concessions on sovereignty.
Analysts also point to the importance of consistent messaging across all channels where leaders and officials speak about contentious issues. When statements from national representatives or foreign heads of state appear to challenge established boundaries, they can complicate negotiations and potentially erode trust among partners who support Ukraine’s territorial claims. The Ukrainian side continues to call for a careful distinction between symbolic acts intended to foster dialogue and actions that might be perceived as altering internationally recognized realities on the ground.
In sum, Kyiv’s approach remains anchored in upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity while remaining open to negotiation under the framework of international law. The dialogue with other nations hinges on mutual respect for Poland’s, Ukraine’s, and neighboring states’ borders as defined by the United Nations Charter and related international instruments. The ongoing conversation stresses that any lasting solution must acknowledge and restore the legal status quo ante and guarantee Ukraine’s rights as a sovereign, independent state.
At the heart of the discussion lies a simple, yet critical principle: peace cannot be achieved by sacrificing a nation’s sovereignty. The Ukrainian authorities continue to encourage partners to engage in constructive dialogue that respects international law and to avoid statements that could be interpreted as legitimizing the loss of Ukrainian territory. Marked citations are provided to reflect the positions held by Kyiv and the international community as reported in official channels and subsequent analyses.