A News Agency

President Zelensky announced that they had a productive meeting in Rome with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio.

He stated that they discussed the negotiations in Istanbul, noting that the Russians sent a low-level delegation with no decision-making authority. “I reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to engage in real diplomacy and emphasized the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.”

Zelensky added that they also discussed the necessity of sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, the battlefield situation, and the upcoming prisoner exchange:

“Pressure on Russia is necessary until it is willing to stop the war. And of course, we talked about our joint steps toward achieving a just and lasting peace. We thank the American people for their support and leadership in saving lives.”