While attending the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV in Rome,
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held key meetings with top
U.S. and European officials on Sunday, ahead of a crucial phone
call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian
President Vladimir Putin aimed at ending the ongoing war in
Ukraine.
At the U.S. ambassador’s residence, Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice
President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a social
media post, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of “real diplomacy”
and reiterated Ukraine’s support for a “full and unconditional
ceasefire.”
He said the talks also covered sanctions on Russia, military
cooperation, trade, the battlefield situation, and an upcoming
prisoner exchange. “Pressure must be maintained on Russia until it
genuinely seeks to end the war,” he added.
This was the first in-person meeting between Vance and Zelenskyy
since their tense Oval Office encounter in February.
Trump announced Saturday that he will speak with Putin on Monday
about halting what he called the “bloodbath” in Ukraine, followed
by talks with Zelenskyy and NATO leaders.
Speaking on Face the Nation, Secretary Rubio stated
that a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin would be the
most effective path forward and said Trump is eager to arrange one.
However, no date or location has been confirmed.
Rubio cautioned that while peace efforts require some patience,
time is limited: “We’ll soon know if Russia and Ukraine are
genuinely ready to talk or simply stalling.”
Zelenskyy also held a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV
following the Mass.