US Vice President JD Vance Engages with Ukraine's Zelenskyy in Rome

Meeting Overview

On Sunday, United States Vice President JD Vance held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, Italy. This encounter took place during Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. Their dialogue primarily revolved around the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with a focus on their mutual aim to end the violence in Ukraine, as indicated by a statement from the Vice President's office. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also in attendance.

Key Discussion Points

The leaders addressed the current state of negotiations taking place in Istanbul, Turkiye, which are aimed at achieving a ceasefire and establishing enduring peace in the region. The statement noted, "This afternoon in Rome, Italy, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders discussed their shared goal of ending the bloodshed in Ukraine and provided updates on the current state of negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace."

Additional Attendees

Zelenskyy, Vance, and Rubio participated in a two-hour liturgy at the Vatican, which also included the President of Peru, Dina Boluarte.

Istanbul Negotiations

The discussions in Istanbul marked the first direct meeting between Russia and Ukraine after three years of intense military conflict. Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had communicated with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and expressed support for the prisoner exchange agreement reached during the Russia-Ukraine talks. Rubio reiterated Trump's message, stating, "The death and destruction must stop," on Saturday.

US Commitment to Peace

The US State Department's statement regarding the prisoner agreement emphasized, "The United States is committed to achieving a lasting end to the Russia-Ukraine war." It further noted, "The comprehensive peace plan proposed by the United States outlines the best way forward. The Secretary emphasised President Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence."