Rome/Kyiv | 11 July 2025 | TPO Staff | Agencies Input
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday led an impassioned appeal to international partners gathered in Rome for a reconstruction conference, calling for enhanced air defence systems, drone interceptors, and financial support as Ukraine endures some of the most severe Russian air raids since the war began over three years ago.
The Fourth International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, hosted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, drew participation from over 100 official delegations, 40 international organizations, and nearly 2,000 businesses. But the tone of the event quickly shifted from rebuilding to urgent defence needs, after Russia launched a 10-hour overnight assault involving 18 missiles and over 400 drones, primarily targeting Kyiv and other urban centers.
“Our focus must be air defence supplies — missiles, radar systems, interceptor drones,” Zelenskyy told participants. “Only with skies protected can we rebuild on the ground.”
Ukraine Under Fire: A New Peak in Russia’s Escalation
Zelenskyy’s call came just hours after Russia conducted back-to-back aerial attacks, following a record barrage of 728 drones and 13 missiles earlier this week. Ukrainian emergency services reported at least two fatalities, 13 injuries, and significant damage to residential and commercial infrastructure in Kyiv. The city’s military administration confirmed the attack lasted nearly 10 hours, the longest single air operation in the region to date.
In frontline regions such as Kostiantynivka, Russian airstrikes killed three civilians and injured several others, adding to what Ukrainian officials say is mounting evidence of deliberate targeting of civilian areas.
“Another night in the bunkers, another night under Shahed drones,” wrote Ukrainian journalist Rory Challands from Kyiv. “The people of this city now recognize the sound of death in midair.”
Coalition of the Willing: Divided Yet Determined
Zelenskyy’s message found traction with some European allies. The United Kingdom pledged 5,000 new air defence missiles and £283 million ($384 million) in additional aid. Meanwhile, France and the UK are jointly leading a diplomatic push to explore a ceasefire framework that may include peacekeeping troops, provided security and political guarantees can be met.
However, the success of any such plan largely depends on the position of the United States, whose support remains ambiguous.
Although President Donald Trump recently approved a resumption of some defensive weapon shipments to Ukraine—after months of pause citing domestic stockpile reviews—he has not committed to air power or boots-on-the-ground support for peacekeeping.
“Putin is killing too many people,” Trump told reporters earlier this week. “We’re sending some defensive weapons, but I’m still not seeing good faith from Moscow.”
Behind the Scenes: Strategic Talks and Sanctions Diplomacy
As part of the Rome conference, Zelenskyy met virtually with leaders from nearly 30 countries forming what he termed a “coalition of the willing.” His private meeting with Trump’s Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg was described as “substantive,” focusing on securing the next round of U.S. sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the urgency:
“Sanctions must be imposed faster. Pressure on Russia must rise until they feel the cost of their terror.”
Zelenskyy also made a renewed plea for access to frozen Russian assets, stating that not just the interest income, but the core assets themselves must be used to rebuild Ukraine. This proposal—under discussion in G7 capitals—could unlock tens of billions of euros currently immobilized by Western financial sanctions.
Europe’s Pledge, Rome’s Platform
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said conference participants had already pledged over €10 billion ($11.7 billion) in public and private investments aimed at Ukraine’s energy, transport, and healthcare infrastructure.
“We are not here to talk of war, but to plan for peace — one that is just, durable, and built with our economic strength,” said Meloni in her opening address.
Zelenskyy also held a second in-person meeting with Pope Leo, head of the Catholic Church, since the Pope’s election in May. A Vatican-mediated peace initiative remains under consideration, though Moscow continues to dismiss the proposal.
Geopolitical Shifts: Rubio Meets Lavrov in Asia
As events unfolded in Rome, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia. Rubio described the exchange as “frank” and said Lavrov presented a “new idea” on resolving the Ukraine conflict.
“It’s not a peace plan, not yet,” Rubio noted. “But it could open a door. I’ll bring it back to the President.”
Rubio also expressed frustration with Moscow’s continued inflexibility, mirroring Trump’s escalating rhetoric against President Vladimir Putin, whom the U.S. leader recently accused of stalling peace efforts with “bullsh*t.”
A War Without End — Yet
Despite continued diplomatic outreach and pledges of assistance, there remains deep uncertainty over Ukraine’s future trajectory. As air raid sirens echo in Kyiv and missiles batter infrastructure, the challenges of reconstruction and the realities of ongoing war now sit uncomfortably side-by-side.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, addressing the Rome gathering, urged unity:
“America must stay with us. Europe and the U.S. share a common vision — a stable and democratic order. Ukraine is at its center.”
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