Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continued his high-stakes diplomatic efforts in Italy, rallying for stronger European backing. On Tuesday, he met with Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo before holding talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome.
Unwavering Refusal to Cede Land
Zelenskyy firmly rejected the idea of giving up any Ukrainian territory. This stance comes despite consistent pressure from Washington to accept a compromise deal with Russia that involves painful concessions.
His visit to Italy followed key meetings on Monday with leaders in London, Paris, and Berlin. These European capitals have publicly backed Kyiv’s position. Currently, negotiations with the United States are struggling over a proposal that suggests Ukraine should hand control of the Donbas region to Moscow.
Zelenskyy maintains that ceding land is illegal under Ukraine’s constitution and morally wrong. He also informed the Pope that Ukraine would be sending a revised peace plan to the US.
Vatican Calls for Dialogue and Child Return
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope used the meeting to stress the urgent need for continued dialogue. Pope Leo XIV expressed his strong desire that current diplomatic initiatives would lead to a stable and just peace.
The two leaders also discussed humanitarian issues, specifically the situation of prisoners of war and the need to secure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Zelenskyy invited the Pope to visit Ukraine as a powerful sign of support.
The Vatican has tried to remain neutral but has offered solidarity to the “martyred” people of Ukraine.
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