The Archbishop of Canterbury has praised Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he’s “not addicted to the battlefield.”
Most Rev Justin Welby noted Zelensky’s “constant” push for diplomacy over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Archbishop was promoting his new book, which explores reconciliation and notes that Governments “prefer sanctions to peaceful solutions.”
Although the book was written before Russia invaded Ukraine, the head of the Church of England explained how his comments still apply in the wake of the conflict.
Speaking to Premier Christian News, he said: “Sanctions in the context in which I use it includes violent sanctions. I mean, sanctions in the terms of punishments.
“Peaceful solutions are messy and complicated.
“Sanctions are necessary, but not sufficient, is the key phrase.
“At the same time, you also have to maintain or build relationships, you have to maintain links, you have to listen, you have to look for opportunities moving forward.
“Sanctions by themselves will not work, as in most cases in history.
“President Zelensk is really good on this.
“If you notice he is constantly talking for talking about the need for a diplomatic solution.
“He is not addicted to the battlefield, quite the reverse.
“It's one of those signs of his greatness.”