Pope considers arms supplies to Ukraine morally acceptable

The supply of weapons to Ukraine is morally permissible, since we are talking about the defense of the country, Pope Francis told reporters, transmits Reuters.

“It (arms shipments) can be immoral if the intention is to provoke a new war or sell weapons or throw away weapons that (the country) no longer needs. Motivation is what largely determines the morality of this action,” he said.

According to him, the principles of the “just war” of the Roman Catholic allow for the proportional use of lethal weapons for “self-defense against the aggressor country.” Self-defence, according to him, is not only legal, but also an expression of “love for the motherland.” The head of the Catholic Church also called on Ukraine to be ready for dialogue with Russia.

Previously he urged to the establishment of a universal political dialogue and the revival of the “spirit of Helsinki” for a more stable and peaceful world.

After the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, Western countries imposed large-scale sanctions against Russia, and also began to provide financial and military assistance to Kyiv. Moscow has repeatedly criticized arms supplies to Ukraine.

The day before, Washington approved the allocation of another package of military assistance to Ukraine for $600 million, in which enteredin particular, additional ammunition for HIMARS missile systems, 36,000 105-mm artillery shells, four anti-artillery radars, anti-personnel mines, small arms, etc.

On September 8, US President Joe Biden approved a new $675 million military aid package for Kyiv. It included ammunition for the HIMARS MLRS, four 105mm howitzers, and 36,000 shells for it. In addition, the US State Department informed Congress about plans to allocate another $2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine and neighboring countries. It is specified that $1 billion will go to strengthening the security of Ukraine, and another $1 billion will be transferred to neighbors.

According to the Pentagon, since January 2021, the United States has allocated $15.2 billion in assistance to Ukraine to ensure the country’s security. Of these, Kyiv has received $14.5 billion since the beginning of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine.

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