Zelenskyy in Rome: 'No Land for Peace' Stance Reaffirmed with Meloni and Pope

WISE NEWS PRESS / ROME, ITALY — DEC. 10, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Tuesday to shore up European support, meeting with Catholic pontiff Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where he categorically rejected ceding any territory to Russia.

Despite reported pressure from Washington regarding land concessions and a new draft peace plan, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to compromise on its sovereignty. The visit to the Italian capital followed a "Volunteers" summit in London, where Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The 20-Point Peace Plan and Territorial Integrity

Following recent diplomatic talks in Geneva, Moscow, and Miami, a US-proposed peace framework has been revised from 28 points down to 20. According to Zelenskyy, while Ukraine is willing to work on these points, significant disagreements remain regarding security guarantees and territorial control.

The Trump administration's proposal reportedly suggests Ukraine cede the Donbas region—parts of which are currently occupied by Russia. Zelenskyy pushed back against this idea in a statement to reporters:

"Without a doubt, Russia wants us to give up territory. We clearly do not want to give anything. This is what we are fighting for. According to our laws, our constitution, and international law, we have no right to do so."

While President Donald Trump has claimed Putin finds the plan "acceptable" given Russia's military advantage, the Kremlin reportedly demands the entire Donbas region, not just the occupied areas, complicating negotiations.

Meloni Pledges Support Amid Political Rifts

Zelenskyy’s meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Palazzo Chigi came as the Italian government faces internal debates over renewing military aid to Kyiv. The current authorization expires on December 31, and Meloni’s coalition partner, Matteo Salvini’s League (Lega), has expressed skepticism about continued support.

Despite the domestic friction, Meloni reaffirmed her confidence in Zelenskyy. "As long as the war continues, we will do what we can to help Ukraine defend itself," she stated. However, Rome maintains a red line on deploying troops, rejecting a proposal by the UK and France for a potential monitoring force on the ground.

Vatican Focuses on Humanitarian Aid

In a separate engagement, Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome. The discussions focused heavily on humanitarian issues, including the status of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

The Vatican released a statement noting that the Pope "reiterated the need for continued dialogue and expressed his urgent desire for a just and lasting peace." Pope Leo, who has spoken with Zelenskyy three times previously, continues to call for a ceasefire and urges Moscow to take steps toward peace.

Addressing domestic political criticisms, Zelenskyy also responded to claims by Trump that the war is being used as an excuse to avoid elections. Citing martial law constraints, Zelenskyy stated, "I am always ready for elections," dismissing the accusation.

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