Premier Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy agreed on the next steps toward securing a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine during talks in Rome on Tuesday, Palazzo Chigi said.
In a statement after the meeting, the Italian premier’s office said the two leaders “analyzed the progress of the negotiation process and shared the next steps to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.” The talks also focused on “establishing robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression and maintaining pressure on Russia to sit at the negotiating table in good faith.”
Palazzo Chigi said Meloni “reaffirmed her 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.”
Zelenskiy described the meeting as “excellent and very in-depth,” writing on X that Kyiv appreciated Italy’s “active role in generating concrete ideas and defining measures to bring peace closer.” He said he had briefed Meloni on the work of Ukraine’s negotiating team and that “we are coordinating our diplomatic efforts.”
“We count very much on Italy’s continued support: it is important for Ukraine,” Zelenskiy added. He also thanked Italy for its latest energy assistance package and equipment, saying it would “support Ukrainian families.”
Ahead of the talks, Zelenskiy responded to comments by United States President Donald Trump, who had accused him of “using war to avoid elections.” Speaking to la Repubblica and Il Messaggero, the Ukrainian leader said: “I’m always ready for elections,” rejecting Trump’s claim.
Zelenskiy thanks Vatican for “constant humanitarian assistance”
During his visit to Italy, Zelenskiy also met Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo. He said he had invited the Pontiff to visit Ukraine, calling it “a strong sign of support for our people.” In a message on Telegram, he thanked the Pope and the Holy See for “constant humanitarian assistance” and their readiness to expand humanitarian missions.
Zelenskiy said he informed the Pope about Kyiv’s diplomatic work with the United States and discussed the Vatican’s role in efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
The Vatican said the meeting was “cordial” and focused on the war. It reported that Pope Leo XIV “reiterated the need for the continuation of dialogue and expressed his urgent desire that the current diplomatic initiatives bring about a just and lasting peace.” The talks also addressed the fate of prisoners of war and “the need to assure the return of Ukrainian children to their families.”
