Zelensky Meets US Vice President and Pope Leo XIV Ahead of Trump-Putin Call

"Possibility of Sanctions on Russia Discussed
If Ceasefire Is Not Achieved"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Pope Leo XIV in Rome, Italy, on May 18 (local time), ahead of a scheduled call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 19.

Volodymyr Zelensky President of Ukraine (left) and JD Vance Vice President of the United States. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to AFP and other sources, President Zelensky and Vice President Vance held their meeting at the US ambassador's residence in Italy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also reported to be present at the meeting.

A senior Ukrainian official told AFP that the two discussed the upcoming call between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin scheduled for May 19. The official, who requested anonymity, said, "They discussed the situation on the front lines, preparations for Monday's (Trump-Putin) meeting, and the possibility of imposing sanctions on Russia if a ceasefire is not reached."

Earlier that morning, President Zelensky and Vice President Vance were also briefly seen shaking hands at the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. This meeting was the first since the heated exchange between the two during the US-Ukraine summit at the White House in Washington, DC, at the end of February. It also came just two days after Ukraine and Russia held face-to-face talks in Istanbul, T?rkiye.

President Zelensky also met separately with Pope Leo XIV, who presided over the inauguration Mass that day. Announcing the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), President Zelensky said, "For millions of people around the world, the Pope is a symbol of peace," and added, "The authority and voice of the Holy See can play an important role in ending this war." He continued, "We appreciate the Vatican's willingness to serve as a direct negotiation platform between Ukraine and Russia. We are prepared for dialogue in any format for tangible results," and added, "We are grateful for your clear voice in supporting Ukraine and advocating for a just and lasting peace."

On May 12, President Zelensky also requested that Pope Leo XIV visit Ukraine during a phone call.