What’s happening in Rome: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he had reviewed the outcomes of the London meeting of European national security advisers with his negotiating team.
- “We are working very actively on all aspects of possible measures to end the war,” he stated.
- Zelensky added that Ukraine will “soon be ready to send the revised documents to the United States.”
Between the lines: Speaking to Repubblica and Il Messaggero ahead of his meeting at Palazzo Chigi, Zelensky said he “trusts Meloni” in the ongoing peace efforts. Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks urging elections in Ukraine, he replied: “I am always ready for elections.”
- Scene at Palazzo Chigi: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Zelensky as his car entered the courtyard of the Italian government headquarters directly. Crowds lined Via del Corso behind barriers, some waving Ukrainian flags.
Zelensky meets Meloni
- In a post on X, Zelensky:
- Called the talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni “excellent and very substantive” across all aspects of the diplomatic track.
- Praised Italy’s “active role in generating practical ideas and defining steps to bring peace closer.”
- Said he briefed Meloni on the work of Ukraine’s negotiating team and confirmed that the two sides are coordinating diplomatic efforts.
- Stressed that Ukraine is “counting greatly on Italy’s continued support.”
- Thanked Italy for a package of energy assistance and critical equipment, saying it will help protect civilians and sustain daily life amid ongoing Russian attacks.
In Meloni’s words: “During the meeting, we reviewed the current state of progress of the negotiating process and shared the next steps to be taken toward achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” said Italy’s PM in a statement.
- “We also recalled the importance of unity of purpose between European and American partners, and of the European contribution to solutions that will have repercussions for the security of the continent.”
- ”Equal attention was devoted during the talks to the definition of robust security guarantees to prevent future acts of aggression, as well as to maintaining pressure on Russia so that it engages at the negotiating table in good faith.”
- ”Lastly, I reaffirmed my solidarity with the Ukrainian people and assured that Italy will continue to do its part, also with a view to the future reconstruction of Ukraine.”
Zelensky at the Vatican
- Why it matters: The Holy See remains one of the few actors with an active humanitarian and moral channel on the Ukraine war, especially on the issue of children deported to Russia.
- What happened: Zelensky met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, thanking the Pontiff for the constant support to Ukraine and for the humanitarian engagement of the Holy See.
- What Zelensky said: “Ukraine deeply appreciates all the support of Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See.”
- He thanked the Pope for his “constant prayers for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people” and for his “appeals for a just peace.”
- He briefed the Pontiff on the ongoing diplomatic work with the United States aimed at reaching a peace agreement.
- Talks also focused on “the Vatican’s mediation for the return of our children, abducted by Russia.”
- Humanitarian track: Zelensky highlighted the importance of “constant humanitarian assistance” and the Holy See’s “willingness to expand the presence of humanitarian missions.”
What’s next: After meetings on Monday in London with Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, and in Brussels with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, Zelensky formally invited the Pope to visit Ukraine, calling such a trip a “powerful signal.”
(Photo: X, @ZelenskyyUa)
