Strengthening support and achieving a just peace: Ukrainian delegation begins work in Rome

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, as part of the delegation of the President of Ukraine, has begun a working visit to Rome. A number of important bilateral meetings were held, focused on strengthening international support for Ukraine, expanding defense cooperation, and promoting initiatives aimed at achieving a just peace.

During the meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s ongoing spiritual support and its efforts aimed at returningUkrainian children who were illegally taken to russia. The parties discussed further steps the Vatican could take in this process, including the possibility of holding a meeting at the level of heads of state in the Vatican as one of the steps towards launching genuine peace talks.

The visit also included a meeting with the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella. The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude for the consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The parties discussed Ukraine’s European integration, the return of deported Ukrainian children, and maintaining effective sanctions pressure against russia. Particular attention was paid to the need to launch a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

An important part ofthe working programme was a meeting with Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of the President of the United States for Ukraine. The discussion focused on the delivery of modern air defense systems and the development of joint defense industry projects, including drone production.

Ukraine also reaffirmed its support for President Donald Trump’s peace initiatives, which provide for an unconditional ceasefire and a meeting at the level of national leaders as prerequisites for launching genuine negotiations.