Zelensky Seeks International Support Ahead of Trump-Putin Call

Zelensky Seeks International Support Before Trump-Putin Call

Rome Is a Key Stop for Zelensky Ahead of Peace Negotiations

Ukraine Demands More Sanctions Ahead of Trump-Putin Dialogue

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used his visit to Rome—attending the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV—as an opportunity to hold key meetings with leaders from the United States, Europe, and Canada.

The gatherings take place ahead of a crucial phone call scheduled for Monday between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

This comes as part of a new attempt to achieve a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.

So reports CBS.

Zelensky Seeks International Support Before Trump-Putin Call

VP Vance meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for first time since Oval Office argument | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/ko9R1u2InN
— WLWT (@WLWT) May 18, 2025

Zelensky’s meetings with figures like U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio aim to reinforce diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia.

Zelensky is seeking assurances ahead of the Trump-Putin call.

This comes at a time when diplomatic progress is being hampered by a renewed wave of Russian drone offensives.

As highlighted by CBS.

What Zelensky Said

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets Pope Leo XIV today in St Peter’s Basilica
Zelenskyy was one of only two world leaders to hold a private meeting with the pope today
pic.twitter.com/hvtbus8mhw
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) May 18, 2025

The Ukrainian president reaffirmed his commitment to a “total and unconditional truce” and called for intensified sanctions against Moscow until it is “truly ready to end the war.”

Other topics addressed included bilateral trade, defense cooperation, and an upcoming prisoner-of-war exchange.

Zelensky also met with Pope Leo XIV, thanking the Vatican for its willingness to serve as the host site for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom also announced coordination with the United States to plan a united front ahead of the Trump-Putin call.

Russian Attacks Intensify

While these meetings were taking place, Ukraine faced the largest drone attack since the start of the invasion:

Over 270 drones and decoys were launched at key regions such as Kyiv and Donetsk.

According to Ukrainian authorities, 88 were shot down and another 128 neutralized electronically.

ALSO OF INTEREST: Pope Leo XIV Offers the Vatican for Peace Talks Between Putin and Zelensky