A ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia has come into effect, halting hostilities for the time being. While world leaders navigate negotiations, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has renewed his criticism of NATO, arguing that the military alliance has driven the conflict rather than helped resolve it.

Viganò has long claimed that NATO has manipulated Ukraine into serving as a “battering ram” against Russia.

He maintains that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently referred to himself as “exchangeable” in Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership, should not have a leading role in any peace discussions. His viewpoint stands in stark contrast to NATO’s official position, which holds that Ukraine is exercising its right to self-defense.

The alliance continues to justify its involvement as necessary to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty. Viganò’s concerns extend beyond Ukraine. He has called attention to President Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy, questioning why the U.S. is pursuing peace in Ukraine while remaining engaged in military actions elsewhere, particularly in the Middle East. Additionally, he has raised alarms over violence against Christian communities in Syria and Gaza, condemning what he sees as the global community’s failure to address their persecution.

Scrivevo nell’Agosto 2023: «L’Ucraina agisce come testa di ariete nella proxy war della NATO contro la Federazione Russa, per cui dovremmo anzitutto smettere di considerare Zelens’kyj come un interlocutore negli eventuali accordi di pace: se non ha contato nulla nella…

— Arcivescovo Carlo Maria Viganò (@CarloMVigano) March 17, 2025

As Ukraine and Russia observe the ceasefire, NATO’s role in the conflict remains under scrutiny. Whether this truce will lead to real diplomatic progress or simply serve as a pause in fighting is yet to be determined.