Zelensky and Meloni discuss increased pressure on Russia and ways to a ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni in Rome. The politicians discussed key issues, including the importance of providing Ukraine with security guarantees and efforts aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives. The Ukrainian head of state said in his social networks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that 46 days ago Ukraine agreed to a full and unconditional ceasefire, but since then Russia has continued acts of aggression and killing Ukrainians. In this regard, he noted the importance of pressure on Russia and expressed gratitude for the clear and principled position of Italian Prime Minister Giorgi Meloni.

In addition, Zelensky spoke about "constructive meetings" of Ukraine's representatives with the USA, France, the UK and Germany in Paris and London, adding that there was a common position among international partners on the need for an unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards establishing sustainable peace in Ukraine.

The Italian government said that during the meeting the politicians expressed support for US President Donald Trump's efforts to achieve "a just and lasting peace that will ensure security, sovereignty and freedom for Ukraine."

The Italian Prime Minister expressed her condolences to the victims of the recent Russian attacks, noting her strong condemnation of such actions. She emphasised the urgent need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as well as "concrete commitments" from Moscow in the peace process.

Meloni also welcomed Ukraine's full readiness for an immediate ceasefire and noted that Russia is now expected to make a "concrete demonstration of readiness to achieve peace."