Zelensky Calls for Swift Sanctions as Rome Conference Commences

Rome: Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky called for an “acceleration” on sanctions against Russia after his country was bombed heavily by Moscow again overnight. “Tonight Russia launched a massive combined attack that lasted almost 10 hours, 18 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and about 400 attack drones,” Zelensky, who is in Rome for the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference, said via Telegram. “This is a clear escalation of terror by Russia. This means that acceleration is necessary. We must be faster with sanctions and pressure Russia to suffer the consequences of its terror. Partners must be faster with investments in arms production.”

According to Ansa News Agency, Zelensky had an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolo, near Rome, and a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Wednesday. The Pope reaffirmed his willingness to welcome the representatives of Russia and Ukraine to the Vatican for negotiations. The American pope spoke with the Ukrainian president “about the ongoing conflict and the urgency of finding just and lasting peace,” and during the meeting, they also “reaffirmed the importance of dialogue as the preferred path to ending hostilities.”

Mattarella stressed that Italy’s support for Ukraine remains firm. “Welcome to this palace: it is a great pleasure to meet you again to reaffirm our great friendship and Italy’s full support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” said Mattarella upon receiving Zelensky. “Our position is and remains absolutely firm, and I would like to express our admiration for the behavior of the Ukrainian people, which strengthens our conviction of full support and admiration for your country.”