In Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Vice President of the United States JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as National Security Advisor to the President of the United States.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the United States and the American people for their support of Ukraine and extended special thanks to President Donald Trump and his team for their efforts to bring the war to an end.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine consistently supports all U.S. proposals and is engaged in constructive dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The President informed the U.S. side about the negotiations in Istanbul and the unrealistic conditions put forward by Russia for a lasting ceasefire. The low level of the Russian delegation indicated that it had no mandate to make any decisions.
The Head of State also emphasized how Russia violated the ceasefire it had itself proposed. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that all this demonstrates Moscow’s lack of intent to end the war – and that is precisely why pressure is needed to compel Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire.
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.
The President also briefed the U.S. side on the current situation on the front lines.
Special attention was given to the implementation of the Ukraine–U.S. economic partnership agreement. The Head of State noted that he had sent a letter to President Trump with new proposals for cooperation in the defense industry and trade sectors.
