Rome: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to engage in dialogue with Russia regarding a settlement to the Ukrainian crisis. He stated this willingness even as he described Moscow’s proposals as “unrealistic for Kyiv.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Zelenskyy communicated via his Telegram channel about his meeting with the new Pope, Leo XIV, highlighting the Vatican’s offer to serve as a platform for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s openness to dialogue in any form to achieve realistic outcomes.

Earlier, during discussions with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, Zelenskyy criticized the Russian delegation’s proposals during recent negotiations in Istanbul, which took place on May 16. He labeled these proposals as “unrealistic for Kyiv.”

The new Pope, Leo XIV, had previously extended an offer to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. Meanwhile, negotiations between the two nations occurred in Istanbul two days ago. At the conclusion of these talks, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange following the “1,000 for 1,000” formula and committed to presenting their vision for a potential future ceasefire, elaborating on it, and continuing the negotiation process.