NNA - The Ukrainian and French presidents held talks today on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral, discussing "continued peace efforts" in Ukraine, amid diplomatic efforts led by the US president to end hostilities, according to Kyiv and Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on Twitter, "Very positive talks today with President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy in Rome on ending the war in Ukraine. This is a common goal for us and for President (Donald) Trump."

Macron continued, "Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. President Zelenskyy told me again today. He hopes to work alongside the Americans and Europeans to achieve this. President (Vladimir) Putin must demonstrate that he truly wants peace."

The two presidents met at Villa Bonaparte, the French embassy to the Holy See in Rome, according to the French presidency, which added that the meeting ended around 1:45 PM local time (11:45 GMT).

Zelensky also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Rome, and they discussed "the progress made in recent days towards establishing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," according to the British government.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the afternoon, according to AFP.

============