Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, after talks with senior US officials in Rome.
Zelensky wrote on X Network that he had a “good meeting” with US Vice President J. D. Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, during which he said they discussed the direct talks between Moscow and Kiev held in Istanbul on Friday.
“I confirmed that Ukraine is ready to engage in real diplomacy and stressed the importance of a complete and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” Zelensky said.
He added that the talks also touched on issues such as sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defence cooperation, the situation on the battlefield and the upcoming prisoner exchange.
“Pressure is needed on Russia until they are willing to stop the war. And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and lasting peace. Thank you to all American citizens for your support and leadership in saving lives,” added Zelensky.
The high-level meeting took place at a time when dozens of world leaders and believers gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Vatican inauguration ceremony of the 267th Pope.
It also marked the first personal meeting between Zelensky and top US leaders since a tense Oval Office meeting on February 28, during which US President Donald Trump and Vance reportedly criticized Zelensky for what they called a lack of gratitude for years of US aid.
Zelensky defended his position at the meeting, emphasizing the global implications of the war in Ukraine and its direct relevance to US and international security.
