Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Tuesday, one day after reaffirming that Kyiv will never cede territory to Russia.
The meeting took place while Ukraine finalises updated peace proposals it plans to present to the United States by Tuesday evening.
Zelensky thanked the pontiff for his attention to the Ukrainian people and extended an invitation for him to visit Ukraine, describing it as “a powerful signal of support”.
No land concessions
On Monday, Zelensky told journalists via WhatsApp that Ukraine has no legal or moral right to surrender any territory under its constitution or international law.
He directly rejected Russian demands for full control of the entire Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts), which the Kremlin illegally annexed in September 2022 along with Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, territories Moscow still does not fully occupy after nearly four years of war.
Ukraine deeply appreciates all the support of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex and the Holy See – the ongoing humanitarian assistance and the readiness to expand humanitarian missions.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 9, 2025
During today’s audience with His Holiness, I thanked him for his constant prayers for… pic.twitter.com/J2iPAdArQn
Negotiations with Washington
Kyiv says talks with US officials have reduced Trump’s original 28-point peace plan, which included territorial concessions, to 20 points.
Zelensky acknowledged Trump’s desire to end the war but stressed he does not trust Russia. He noted the American side seeks compromise on the land issue, yet no agreement exists. “Russia insists we give up territory. We, of course, do not want to give up anything; that is exactly what we are fighting for,” he said.
In remarks published Tuesday, President Trump told Politico there is “no question” Russia holds the stronger battlefield position and that “at some point, size will win”. He said he remains engaged in the peace process but all parties must “play ball”.
European tour continues
The Vatican meeting followed Zelensky’s Monday talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
After those discussions, Zelensky said he received no clear answer on what allies, including the United States, would do in case of renewed large-scale Russian aggression.
A French official told NBC News that upcoming meetings between European, American, and Ukrainian leaders should strengthen alignment in the coming days, while work intensifies on robust security guarantees and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Kremlin stated it has not yet been informed about the latest round of US-Ukrainian negotiations held in Florida over the weekend.
Source: NBC News
Also read: Russia advances across Ukraine front, targets Mirnohrad
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