President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited Rome on Saturday for meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, officials and Pope Francis while receiving assurances from Italian leaders of continuation military and other help as his country fights for liberation from Russia military invasion launched last year.
Francis recently announced that the Vatican had launched behind-behind-the-scenes initiative to end the war last year across Russia.
In a tweet sent shortly after arrival in the Italian capital late Saturday morning, Zelensky quoted schedule of meetings with Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “Important visit for victory is coming of Ukraine!” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
When Zelensky arrived at military at the airfield at Rome’s Ciampino Airport, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on hand to greet him. Tajani told reporters that Italy would continue support Ukraine “360 degrees” and the press for A just world, one which protects the independence of Ukraine.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly supports military and other help for Ukraine.
But while her far-right brothers of Italy party furiously champions principle of national sovereignty, Meloni had to fight with leaders of two coalition partners who openly declared for years of their admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Coalition ally Silvio Berlusconi, former prime minister boasted of his friendship with Putin and another government ally, League leader Matteo Salvini, questioned the value of economic sanctions against Russia.
Zelensky started his official telephone meetings on Mattarella in the presidential Quirinal Palace.
“We are completely in your side”, Mattarella told Zelensky, welcoming him. Later, after their meeting, sources at the presidential palace reported that Mattarella assured his guest that Italy would continue supporting Ukraine militarily financially and with reconstruction and humanitarian aid, in both short and long term.
Italy has provided about 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) since the start of the war. in military And financial aid and humanitarian aid.
Him next stop, premiere office Meloni and Zelensky embraced in palace courtyard before starting negotiations behind closed doors.
Zelensky travels to Berlin next. Zelensky accurate schedule was not public announced because of security concerns, and the Vatican only confirmed a meeting with the pope shortly before the plane of the Ukrainian president touched down.
Italian public radio reported that as part of of protective measures, a no-fly zone was declared for Skies of Rome and police snipers were strategically placed on high buildings.
Meloni met with Zelensky in Kyiv, shortly before the anniversary of Russia full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022
Francis, who craves for world, last met with Ukrainian leader in 2020.
The pontiff often makes passionate requests on on behalf of of Ukrainian “martyr” people, in his words.
At the end of April, flight back to Rome from a trip to Hungary, Francis told reporters on the plane in which the Vatican was involved in A behind- world on stage mission but did not give details. Neither Russia nor Ukraine confirmed such an initiative.
He said he would like to go to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, if such a visit can be combined with one to Moscow, in hopes that the papal pilgrimage can contribute cause of world.
Ukraine last month prime minister met with Francis in the Vatican and said he asked the pontiff help Ukraine get back children illegally exported to Russia during invasion.
The German government, meanwhile, said that it provides Ukraine with with additional military to help worth more more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition.
announcement Saturday came when the preparations were going on in Berlin for A possible first Zelenskiy’s visit to Germany after Russia invaded his country last year.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Berlin wants show with V latest package of weapons” that Germany seriously in his support” for Ukraine.
“Germany will provide everything help it is possible if needed,” he said.
