U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance believes that the United States is optimistic and hopes to end the "very brutal war" between Russia and Ukraine.

Source: Vance made this statement before a meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy in Rome, as reported by Reuters; "European Truth".

Direct quote: "I want to brief the Prime Minister on some discussions between Russia and Ukraine... even in the last 24 hours, we think we have some interesting things to share.

As negotiations continue, I won’t jump ahead, but we are optimistic and hope we can bring this war, this very brutal war, to an end".

Details: Vance and Giorgia Meloni are meeting less than 24 hours after leaders from Italy and the U.S. had a meeting in Washington.

His comments came just hours after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump would abandon efforts to reach a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine if there were no clear indications that it could be achieved.

Vance added that discussions with Meloni will also focus on "trade negotiations not only between Italy and the U.S. but also with the EU".

In response to Rubio's comments, the Kremlin acknowledged some progress and developments regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine but noted the "many complex issues" involved.

President Donald Trump claims that Russia will soon provide Washington with a response to the proposal for a "ceasefire" in Ukraine.