Working Visit of the President and the First Lady of Ukraine to Italy and the Vatican
The President and the First Lady of Ukraine Attend Mass Honoring the Memory of Pope Francis
In the Vatican, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska attended a funeral Mass honoring the memory of Pope Francis.
The Ukrainian delegation also included Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha.
Delegations from around 130 countries took part in the farewell ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, including representatives of royal families and more than 60 state and government leaders from all continents. Among those present were the President of the United States and leaders of European, African, Latin American, and Indo-Pacific countries.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 89. Following the funeral Mass, he will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome — in accordance with his wishes.
In his prayers, the Pontiff always mentioned Ukraine and the Ukrainian people; he also supported efforts to bring home Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia, as well as to release prisoners.
President of Ukraine Meets with U.S. President Donald Trump
In Vatican City, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the United States of America Donald Trump.
The meeting took place one-on-one at St. Peter’s Basilica, where both leaders had arrived to participate in a Mass honoring the memory of Pope Francis.
The Presidents discussed a range of important and urgent issues. Ukraine is counting on results regarding the matters raised: protecting lives of Ukrainians, a full and unconditional ceasefire, a reliable and lasting peace that will safeguard against a repeat of the war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that this was a symbolic meeting with the potential to become historic if joint results are achieved, and expressed gratitude to Donald Trump.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Discuss Steps Necessary to Establish an Unconditional Ceasefire
In Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer to discuss the steps necessary to establish a full, unconditional ceasefire and develop further security guarantees.
The leaders summarized the outcomes of meetings between representatives of Ukraine, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany in Paris and London, and agreed to continue their work within the Coalition of the Willing.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer agreed that an unconditional ceasefire must be achieved in the air, at sea, and on land, and must serve as the first step toward establishing a just peace with reliable security guarantees.
The President emphasized that only strong security guarantees can ensure a lasting peace and prevent possible Russian aggression in the future.
Joint Diplomatic Efforts, Pressure on Russia, and Strengthening of Ukraine’s Air Defense: President of Ukraine and President of France Hold Meeting
In Rome, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron.
The Ukrainian leader briefed President Macron on his meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump, which took place earlier today.
The leaders discussed the path to a full, unconditional ceasefire and the need to apply pressure on Russia to establish it. The presidents also summarized the outcomes of meetings between the teams from Ukraine, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany in Paris and London, which focused on developing proposals and aligning positions. They agreed to continue their joint efforts to achieve a just peace and coordinated the next steps for the near future.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined the consequences of Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, and Kyiv, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen air defense to protect the lives of Ukrainians.
Security Guarantees and Continued Military Assistance: President Meets with Giorgia Meloni
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni held a meeting in Rome.
The Ukrainian leader informed Giorgia Meloni about the consequences of the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on the night of April 24. In Kyiv, 12 people were then killed and 87 others injured. The President noted that 46 days ago, Ukraine agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire, and for 46 days, Russia has continued to kill Ukrainians.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the constructive meetings held by the Ukrainian delegation with representatives of the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany in Paris and London. There is a shared position that an unconditional ceasefire must be the first step towards achieving sustainable peace in Ukraine.
The leaders also discussed the importance of increasing pressure on Russia and ensuring security guarantees. The President commended Giorgia Meloni’s principled and clear stance.
The Head of State emphasized that strengthening air defense remains a priority for Ukraine.
Military Support for Ukraine and Preparation of a New Sanctions Package Against Russia: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with Ursula von der Leyen
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the European Union and its member states for their support to Ukraine, especially in the military sphere.
The President spoke about the situation on the battlefield and Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities. Despite all diplomatic efforts by Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and other global partners to establish a full and unconditional ceasefire, Russia continues its aggression. Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's defense needs to protect its people, particularly the need for air defense systems.
In addition, they discussed the implementation of the ReArm Europe plan, strengthening security cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, and collaboration in defense innovation and technology. Ukraine's unique experience can enhance the defense capabilities of the entire Europe.
The President also noted that Ukraine values the support of the European Union on its path to EU membership. That is why it is so important to do everything possible to unblock the opening of the first negotiating cluster. Our state is taking all necessary steps and expects further assistance.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen additionally discussed the preparation of the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia. The President noted that it should target key sectors of the Russian economy: metallurgy, nuclear and chemical industries, IT and financial sectors, as well as the shadow tanker fleet.
The President Discusses the Return of Ukrainian Children with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi at the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy.
The Head of State expressed condolences over the passing of Pope Francis.
"It is very important for us to be here today and to unite with the whole world. We have always had great respect for Pope Francis. He always fought to ensure peace for people around the world, including in Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The President also expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Vatican, personally by the Pontiff and by Matteo Zuppi, in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported and displaced by Russia and in the release of prisoners. This was one of the key topics discussed during the meeting.
"The most important thing is to bring more lives home, to their loved ones, to their families. That is why you have already helped us with children, and we are turning to you today. Unfortunately, there is still a reason for this. This means that there are still very many children who are being held against their will in the territory of Russia. We want to bring them home, and that is why we are once again turning to the Vatican for such help," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
The Head of State also thanked for the opportunity to meet with President of the United States Donald Trump at St. Peter’s Basilica. The President of Ukraine said that this meeting was very positive and noted that the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States of America is extremely important.
"This is exactly what Pope Francis wanted – for dialogue to happen, for the main actors to be able to meet and resolve all issues. He always said that more needed to be done for Ukraine and for peace," said the Cardinal.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with the Secretary of State of the Holy See
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Head of State expressed his condolences over the passing of Pope Francis and noted that Ukraine values his prayers for our country and for peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pietro Parolin paid particular attention to the path toward a just and lasting peace. The President informed about the joint diplomatic efforts of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and other countries around the world aimed at achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire, which must be the first step.
The Head of State thanked the Secretary of State for his position regarding Ukraine’s right to self-defense and the inadmissibility of imposing peace terms on a country that has been attacked.
Ukraine counts on the Holy See to continue playing an important role in uniting international efforts to achieve peace, facilitate the return of Ukrainian children illegally displaced and deported by Russia, and secure the release of prisoners.