**Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Meets with US Officials in Rome Ahead of High-Stakes Calls**
In a crucial meeting just days before a series of high-stakes calls, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Vice President JD Vance and other top officials in Rome. The talks came ahead of scheduled phone calls between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
The Ukrainian delegation included key officials like Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also participated in the discussions. These talks were especially significant given that they took place after a recent round of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.
**A Productive Meeting with No Concrete Breakthrough**
Zelenskyy described the Rome talks as “productive,” noting that they focused on the previous talks in Istanbul, where Russia had sent a delegation without the authority to make decisions. The Ukrainian leader reaffirmed his country’s readiness for genuine diplomacy and stressed the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire.
The delegations also discussed ongoing sanctions against Russia, defense cooperation, trade, battlefield developments, and potential prisoner exchanges. Notably, Zelenskyy and Vance reportedly discussed the upcoming Trump-Putin call, with the Ukrainian leader emphasizing that pressure on Russia must continue until it is ready to end the war.
**A Tense Meeting with a Glimmer of Hope**
The meeting between Zelenskyy and Vance was particularly notable given their tense encounter in February. However, during the papal inauguration earlier that day, they exchanged smiles and a handshake – a heartening sign of improved relations.
Later that day, Zelenskyy also met with Pope Leo XIV, thanking the Holy See for offering to host Ukraine-Russia peace talks. He reaffirmed that Ukraine is prepared for “real results” from these negotiations.
**A Skeptical View on Peace Negotiations**
Nate Vance, who participated in battles for Ukrainian cities while serving there, remains skeptical about peace negotiations with Russia despite his personal reconciliation with his cousin, US Vice President JD Vance. This skepticism reflects a broader concern within Ukraine that any agreement with Russia may not be genuine or sustainable.
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