European leaders urge U.S. President Donald J. Trump to include Ukraine in the planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's involvement, with Berlin working with Washington to ensure his attendance. EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that any deal between the U.S. and Russia must include Ukraine and the EU for the sake of security. U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated the Trump administration's goal is to bring both Ukrainian and Russian leaders to the negotiating table. There are concerns that a deal might be made without Kyiv's approval, as highlighted by Trump's former security advisor John Bolton.
4 months ago
European leaders are strongly advocating for Ukraine's direct involvement in an upcoming peace summit between U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Friday in Alaska 1. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope and presumption that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would attend, noting that Berlin is closely collaborating with Washington to ensure his presence 1. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, reinforced this stance, stating that any agreement between the U.S. and Russia must include Ukraine and the EU, as it directly impacts Ukraine’s and Europe’s security 1.
Despite the calls for inclusion, there is significant apprehension that Presidents Trump and Putin might reach a resolution without Ukraine's consent 1. John Bolton, Trump's former security adviser, voiced concerns that a pre-negotiated "Putin plan" could put President Zelenskyy in a challenging position, potentially presenting him with a deal Trump finds agreeable 1. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has already issued a firm warning that Ukrainians "will not give their land to occupiers," asserting that any solution reached without Ukraine's participation would be "against peace" 1. Britain has also affirmed that Ukraine's borders are solely for Ukraine to determine, emphasizing that any peace agreement must be forged with its involvement 1.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the Trump administration's objective is to bring both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders to the negotiating table, despite President Putin's previous refusal to meet with Zelenskyy 1. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk indicated that the U.S. has committed to consulting with European partners prior to the summit 1.
What is the Church's teaching on just peace?
The Catholic Church's teaching on "just peace" is a development that moves beyond merely the absence of war to a proactive pursuit of conditions that foster genuine and lasting peace. It is rooted in the understanding that peace is not simply the cessation of violence but the fruit of justice, charity, and solidarity. This concept builds upon and complements the traditional "just war" theory, offering a broader framework for addressing conflict and promoting human flourishing.
Historically, Catholic social teaching has focused on the "just war" criteria, which delineate the conditions under which the use of armed force can be morally permissible. While still relevant, the concept of "just peace" emerged as a recognition that preventing war and building sustainable peace requires more than just rules for engaging in conflict. It emphasizes the need to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, injustice, oppression, and the denial of human rights.
The principles of just peace are multifaceted and interconnected:
The principles of just peace have practical implications for individuals, communities, and international relations:
In essence, the Church's teaching on just peace represents a comprehensive and proactive approach to building a world where justice reigns, human dignity is respected, and conflicts are resolved through peaceful means, leading to a lasting and authentic peace.