VIDEO: "We Don't Need Mediators". Zelensky Met with the Pope

The conversation between the President of Ukraine and the Pope lasted about 40 minutes, reported the Ukrainian publication Evropeyska Pravda.

The parties exchanged gifts. The Pope gifted Zelensky a small sculpture in the form of an olive branch, symbolizing peace, and in return received an image of the Madonna on remnants of a bulletproof vest that had been used in combat.

During the conversation, Zelensky and Francis discussed the humanitarian mission of the Holy See. The Pope stated that "Humanity has a great need for Ukraine." Following this conversation, Zelensky gave an interview to Italian media where he stated that since the battles are occurring on Ukrainian territory, the peace plan should also be Ukrainian.

"We don't need mediators; we need a just world," clarified the President of Ukraine. He also mentioned that during his meeting with the Pope, he received a signal of support from the Vatican for the "Ukrainian peace formula," which, according to him, is "very practical."

"Today, this is the issue—engaging as many countries as possible on our platform. Because there will still be many proposals from different countries for the world. We need to base ourselves on some fundamental thing," Zelensky elaborated.

During his visit to Italy, the Ukrainian President also held talks with his Italian counterparts Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zelensky's meeting with the President of Italy took place at his official residence, the Quirinal Palace, and lasted about 25 minutes.

"The peace that we are all working for must restore justice and international law. This must be real peace, not capitulation," addressed Mattarella to his Ukrainian counterpart, deeming it a great honor to host him in Rome.