Zelensky Meets Pope Amid Growing EU Frustration With U.S.–Russia Peace Push

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Pope Leo XIV near Rome on Dec. 9 as he continues seeking support amid tense peace negotiations dominated by a U.S.–Russia draft plan.

The Vatican said the 30-minute meeting focused on continuing dialogue, prisoner exchanges and returning Ukrainian children taken to Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Pope Francis as part of his European diplomatic tour.

Photo: VATICAN MEDIA / AFP pic.twitter.com/SdBorU1xfl

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) December 9, 2025

The visit follows Zelensky’s talks in London and Brussels, where European leaders voiced unease over being sidelined while Washington and Moscow shape the outlines of a settlement.

Kyiv says major disagreements remain over security guarantees and the future of eastern regions.

EU capitals are also split over proposals to use frozen Russian assets, with Belgium resisting pressure from partners.

🇮🇹 The Ukrainian president met Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, the Pontiff’s hilltop summer residence on Tuesday

He will later meet Giorgia Meloni. Stay tuned for updates 👇https://t.co/nvIj2WU7JQ pic.twitter.com/6iGuq3fNJ3

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 9, 2025

Backchannel diplomacy has faltered. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Vladimir Putin on Dec. 2 but made no progress.

The Kremlin still demands Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and give up territory in Donetsk — red lines Kyiv refuses to accept.

Also read:

Europe Rallies Behind Ukraine Amid U.S. Doubts On Peace Plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met top European leaders in London on Monday as concerns grow over the Trump administration’s shifting stance on the war. Zelensky urged Europe and the U.S. to maintain “unity,” saying Ukraine still lacks clear security guarantees and clarity over the future of the Donbas.

tippinsightsTIPP Staff