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U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, will participate in a "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in Rome, marking the first direct American involvement in the initiative under the new administration.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Kellogg's participation during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Rome's La Nuvola Conference Center on Thursday. The meeting coincided with Ukraine's Reconstruction Conference, hosted by Italy.
"For the first time, directly from Rome, I am very pleased that the U.S. will participate in the volunteers' meeting with President Trump's Ukraine Special Representative General Kellogg," Meloni said during the press conference. "I think this is a clear sign and a clear symbol of unity that we continue to work together for Ukraine's security, which is also our security."
Meloni described Kellogg's participation as "an open and clear signal" of commitment to working together for Ukraine and Europe's security. The Italian leader expressed satisfaction with the American involvement, viewing it as a demonstration of transatlantic unity in addressing the ongoing conflict.
The Coalition of the Willing meeting brought together international leaders to discuss Ukraine's defense needs and security concerns. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron joined the session online from London, while several U.S. senators also participated alongside Kellogg in the Rome discussions.
Meloni emphasized that defense industry cooperation between Italy and Ukraine has become "increasingly central" to their bilateral relationship. She pledged that Italy would continue investing in this sector, noting that such collaboration is crucial for enabling Ukraine to continue defending itself.
"Among the topics we discussed, cooperation between our defense industries is becoming more and more central every day, and we will continue to invest in this area," Meloni said. "Ensuring that Ukraine can continue to defend itself is of great importance, especially against Russia's increasingly ruthless attacks targeting civilians."
The Italian prime minister described the conference attendance as "incredible" and said it demonstrated "concrete interest in investing in Ukraine's prosperous future and confidence in this future." She reaffirmed Italy's commitment to continue supporting Ukrainian resistance "in every way" as the country has done since the conflict began.
Meloni concluded her remarks by emphasizing the shared goal of restoring peace, freedom and prosperity to Ukraine, stating that the international community is "working to bring back to Ukraine the fruits of the peace, freedom and prosperity it deserves."
Zelenskyy used the Rome platform to outline Ukraine's extensive reconstruction requirements, framing the challenge in comprehensive terms. "Comprehensive reconstruction is needed after a comprehensive war," the Ukrainian president said, emphasizing the scope of rebuilding efforts required.
He noted that Russian forces continue to conduct intensive air strikes against his country, making civilian protection a continuing priority. "Our top priority is to protect the lives of our people," Zelenskyy said, underscoring the ongoing security challenges facing Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted ongoing humanitarian efforts, particularly the return of Ukrainian children. He said his government continues working to bring back "thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia" since the war began, describing this as a priority issue discussed during his Wednesday meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
Zelenskyy reminded conference attendees of recent progress in establishing accountability mechanisms for war crimes. He referenced a European Council agreement signed in late June to establish a special court to prosecute "crimes of aggression against Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The Ukrainian president called on allies to provide support for establishing this special tribunal, viewing it as an important step toward ensuring legal accountability for actions taken during the conflict.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Vatican for its assistance in humanitarian efforts, particularly regarding the return of Ukrainian children. "I thank the Vatican very much for their help," he said, referring to his discussions with Pope Francis on this sensitive issue.
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