Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a high-level meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday, marking their first encounter since a tense Oval Office exchange earlier this year. The talks took place on the sidelines of the formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelenskyy described the meeting as “good” and said the discussion focused on the ongoing war with Russia, the stalled diplomatic efforts, and critical aspects of U.S.-Ukraine cooperation.
The Ukrainian leader reiterated Kyiv’s readiness to engage in “real diplomacy,” criticizing Russia for sending “a low-level delegation of non-decision-makers” to recent negotiations in Istanbul. “I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Good meeting with @VP J. D. Vance and Secretary of State @SecRubio in Rome.
During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and… pic.twitter.com/ko2cKKYvCZ
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 18, 2025
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine consistently supports all U.S. proposals and is engaged in constructive dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace. Key points of discussion included the situation on the battlefield, ongoing defense cooperation between the two countries, upcoming prisoner exchanges, and the necessity of maintaining sanctions on Moscow. “Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the positions of each party in detail and the next steps that could change the situation – including strong sanctions against Russia. He also thanked the American people for their continued support, calling it instrumental in “saving lives” and maintaining pressure on Russia.
The meeting came just a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will speak separately with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy on Monday. Trump said the calls aim to chart a path to peace and bring an end to the “bloodbath” in Ukraine.
