In a major diplomatic meeting, US Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a sit-down in Rome on Sunday, their first since an acrimonious confrontation at the White House in February. Despite their previous altercation, both leaders presented a united front, highlighting the pressing need for peace in Ukraine.
Moving Beyond Past Tensions
Their Feb. 28 showdown in the Oval Office was reported extensively, as Vance charged that Zelensky was being ingratitude to the US assistance during Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Zelensky, on his part, questioned diplomatic approaches to Russia, further fueling tensions. But Sunday’s session in Rome had a decidedly different character.
JD Vance tweeted on X, “Our nations share the common goal of stopping unnecessary bloodshed in Ukraine, and we talked about updates on the ongoing negotiations to have a ceasefire and permanent peace.” The captioned image featured the two leaders smiling widely, indicating a change towards collaboration.
This afternoon, @SecRubio and I met with President Zelensky.
Our countries share the goal of ending unnecessary bloodshed in Ukraine, and we discussed updates on the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/uvrWASXKCw
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) May 18, 2025
Shared Goals and Ongoing Negotiations
President Zelensky also posted a photo with Vance, thanking him: “Good meeting with JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome. We talked about the talks in Istanbul, where the Russians sent a low-level delegation without decision-making authority.”
This was about recent talks in Turkey that broke up without significant progress. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s dedication to “real diplomacy” and the need for a “full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible.”
Good meeting with @VP J. D. Vance and Secretary of State @SecRubio in Rome.
During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers. I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and… pic.twitter.com/ko2cKKYvCZ
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 18, 2025
Furthermore, Zelensky outlined topics of their discussion, including sanctions against Russia, bilateral trade, defense cooperation, the battlefield situation, and an upcoming prisoner exchange. He underscored, “Pressure is necessary on Russia until they are willing to end the war.
And, naturally, we discussed our common measures to get a fair and long-lasting peace.” He also expressed gratitude to the people of America for their continued support: “Thank you to all American people for the support and leadership in saving lives.”
Watch this carefully. Very important.
pic.twitter.com/wdM3XdbrH1— Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) February 28, 2025
A New Chapter in US-Ukraine Relations
This encounter demonstrates a turning point of reconciliation and strategic discussion between the two central allies. It highlights the value of cooperation in the face of continued conflict and common aspirations for peace and stability within the region. The ability of the leaders to move beyond individual confrontations and engage in diplomacy holds promise for more productive interaction in the future.
