MOSCOW, March 11. /TASS/. Pope Francis highlighted the need for talks when speaking about Ukraine raising "the white flag" in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"As far as I understand, there was a broader context to what the pontiff said. However, on the whole, it’s quite easy to understand what he was talking about: he was speaking out in favor of negotiations. You know, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has also repeatedly talked about our readiness and openness to resolve our problems through talks, and this is the preferred option," Peskov noted.

He added that "unfortunately, the pope’s remarks and numerous statements by other parties, us included, have recently been stumbling into a wall of rejection from the Kiev regime."

Earlier, when asked if it would be courageous of Ukraine to raise the white flag, Pope Francis said: "The stronger one is the one who thinks about the people and has the courage to raise the white flag to negotiate." Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said later, commenting on the pontiff’s remarks, that the pope was speaking about the quest for a just peace.