This is reported by Kyiv24
President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks in Rome with the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. During the meeting, the parties discussed the supply of American weapons, strengthening air defense, and increasing sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation.
Weapons and Air Defense Supply for Ukraine
Zelensky emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense system in light of the increasing number of attacks from Russia. Special attention during the negotiations was given to the procurement of modern American weapons, the development of joint defense production, and the establishment of manufacturing facilities in Ukraine.
“We discussed the supply of weapons and the strengthening of air defense. In the context of increasing Russian attacks, this is one of the priorities. We also talked about the procurement of American weapons, joint defense production, and localization in Ukraine. We focused in detail on sanctions pressure. We understand that stricter restrictions against Russian energy are needed, especially secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil. We hope for progress on the bill from Senators Graham and Blumenthal in the U.S. Congress. This is certainly something that could make Russia think more about peace,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram, describing the conversation as substantive.
Sanctions and Support from the U.S.
Particular attention during the talks was given to sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation. Zelensky underscored the necessity of implementing stricter restrictions on the Russian energy sector, as well as introducing secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil. The President of Ukraine expressed hope for the swift consideration of the relevant bill in the U.S. Congress, initiated by Senators Graham and Blumenthal.
Additionally, Zelensky noted the importance of signals from Washington regarding the resumption of military aid supplies for Ukraine.
Keith Kellogg, who leads the American delegation at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy, has not yet commented on the outcomes of the meeting with Zelensky.
It is worth noting that Zelensky arrived in Italy for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which takes place on July 10-11. This international event is being held for the first time in Italy, while similar meetings have previously taken place in Lugano, London, and Berlin. The organizers of URC 2025 include the governments of Ukraine and Italy, the European Commission, international financial institutions, business representatives, civil society, and local authorities.
The meeting between Zelensky and Kellogg occurred after the U.S. Department of Defense announced the allocation of an additional batch of weapons for the Ukrainian army. On July 7, the Pentagon emphasized that at the direction of President Trump, Ukraine would receive new defense means to protect against aggression while work continues toward achieving sustainable peace.
Previously, the U.S. temporarily suspended part of its arms supplies to Ukraine due to concerns about reducing its own stockpiles in the American army.