Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a "substantive" conversation with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Rome about strengthening Ukraine's air defense and weapons supplies.

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP) — Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday and thanked him for the Vatican’s efforts to help return children taken by Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV on 9 July. Photo: Getty Images Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV on 9 July at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo near Rome. Source: ...

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Pope Leo XIV wave to journalists during their meeting in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) ...

Speaking to reporters as he left the pope’s villa, Zelenskyy said he thanked the American pope for the Vatican’s efforts to help reunite children taken by Russia after Moscow's 2022 invasion. He asked ...

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Pope Leo XIV wave to journalists during their meeting in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) ...

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, walks with Father Lorenzo Sapienza past Swiss guards ahead of his meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Wednesday, July 9, 2025.