"At this stage, it is essential to increase the level of convergence on issues that affect the vital interests of Ukraine and its European partners". Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated this message during a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders. The summit was called to discuss the peace process following recent talks between the American and Ukrainian delegations, as well as on the eve of Zelensky's journey to Rome. According to a Palazzo Chigi report, Meloni emphasized the importance of EU-US unity in achieving a "just and lasting peace", emphasizing the need to establish solid security guarantees and identify shared measures to support Ukraine and its future reconstruction. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed similar sentiments at the conclusion of the "Coalition of the Willing" meeting. "We all know what's at stake, and we know we have no more time to waste", she stated, emphasizing that ensuring financial support for Kiev is "a crucial act for European defense". Von der Leyen also asserted the effectiveness of sanctions against Moscow and outlined the European proposal for a "Reparations Loan", based on proceeds from frozen Russian assets, meant to increase the cost of the war for the Kremlin. “The longer Putin continues his war,” she said, “the higher the costs will be for Russia".