Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Rome on Saturday for meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, officials and Pope Francis also received reassurances from Italian leaders of I continued military And other aid as his country fights to liberate itself from Russia military invasion Launched last year.
Recently francis said the vatican has launched a behindLaunching the behind-the-scenes initiative to try to end the war last year from Russia.
In a tweet, sent shortly after he wrote it arrival in The Italian capital late Saturday morning, Zelensky cited him schedule of meetings with Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. An important visit for Victory is approaching of Ukraine! “
When Zelenskyy arrived at A.I military Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was at Rome’s Ciampino airport on hand to greet him. Italy will continue to do so, Tajani told reporters support Ukraine “360 degrees” and the press for a just Hello, one that protect the independence of Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly supports him military and other aid for Ukraine.
But while her siblings are far right of Italy party violently champions Principle of national Sovereignty, Meloni had to rival her with leaders of two coalition partners who declare openly for years of admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Alliance ally Silvio Berlusconi a former Prime Minister, has bragged of his friendship with Putin and another government His ally, League leader Matteo Salvini, questioned the value of Economic sanctions against Russia.
Zelenskyy began official Meetings by calling on Mattarella in the Quirinale Presidential Palace.
“We are completely at your service,” Mattarella told Zelensky, welcoming him. Later, after their meeting, sources in the presidential palace said Mattarella assured his guest that Italy would continue supporting Ukraine militarily and financiallyBeside with reconstruction and humanitarian aid, in Both short and long term.
Since the war began, Italy has provided about 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). in military And financial aid, as well as humanitarian aid.
Has next Stop it, Prime Minister officeMeloni and Zelensky in Palace courtyard, before starting their closed conversations.
Zelensky is believed to be heading to Berlin next. Exactly Zelensky schedule It was not public announced because of Security concerns, the Vatican has confirmed the papal meeting only shortly before touching the Ukrainian president’s plane down.
Italian state radio reported it as part of Protective measures, no-fly zone ordered for Rome sky and police shooters are strategically placed on tall buildings.
watermelon met with Zelensky in Kyivshortly before the anniversary of Russia full-size invasion on February 24, 2022.
francis, who eager for Hello, last met with Ukrainian leader in 2020.
The pope makes frequent passionate appeals on On behalf of of “martyrdom” of Ukrainian people in his words.
in the end of April, flight back To Rome from a trip to Hungary, Francis told reporters on The plane that the Vatican was involved in in a behindPeace Theatre mission But he did not give details. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed such an initiative.
He said he would like To go to Kyivthe Ukrainian capital, if it can be associated with such a visit with one to Moscow, in Hopes that the papal pilgrimage will lead to strengthening cause of Hello.
Last month, Ukraine prime minister met with Francis is in the Vatican and said he asked the Pope help Get Ukraine back children illegally to russia during invasion.
German governmentmeanwhile, said that it is supplying Ukraine with additional military helps worth more More than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition.
the announcement Saturday came as the preparations were underway in Berlin for a possible first Zelensky’s visit to Germany since Russia invaded his country last year.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin wanted this show with the latest package of Weapons “that Germany is serious in that it support” for Ukraine.
Germany will provide all help It can, as long as it takes.”
