Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Rome on Saturday for conferences with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, officers and Pope Francis as he obtained assurances from Italian leaders of continued navy and different support as his nation fights to liberate itself from Russia’s navy invasion launched final 12 months.
Francis just lately mentioned that the Vatican has launched a behind-the-scenes initiative to attempt to finish the conflict launched final 12 months by Russia.
In a tweet, despatched shortly after his arrival within the Italian capital late Saturday morning, Zelenskyy cited his schedule of conferences with Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. “An important visit for approaching victory of Ukraine!” Zelenskyy tweeted.
When Zelenskyy arrived at a navy airfield at Rome’s Ciampino airport, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was available to greet him. Tajani informed reporters that Italy will proceed to help Ukraine “360 degrees” and press for a simply peace, one which safeguards Ukraine’s independence.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni staunchly backs navy and different support for Ukraine.
But whereas her far-right Brothers of Italy social gathering fiercely champions the precept of nationwide sovereignty, Meloni has needed to cope with leaders of two coalition companions who’ve overtly professed for years their admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Coalition ally Silvio Berlusconi, a former premier, has boasted of his friendship with Putin, whereas one other authorities ally, League chief Matteo Salvini, has questioned the worth of financial sanctions in opposition to Russia.
Zelenskyy started his official conferences by calling on Mattarella on the presidential Quirinale Palace.
“We are fully at your side,” Mattarella informed Zelenskyy as he welcomed him. Later, after their assembly, presidential palace sources mentioned Mattarella assured his visitor that Italy would proceed supporting Ukraine militarily and financially, in addition to with reconstruction and humanitarian support, in each the quick and long run.
Since the conflict started, Italy has furnished about 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in navy and monetary support, in addition to humanitarian help.
At his subsequent cease, the premier’s workplace, Meloni and Zelenskyy embraced within the palace courtyard, earlier than starting their closed-door talks.
Zelenskyy is believed to be heading to Berlin subsequent. Zelenskyy’s precise schedule hadn’t been publicly introduced due to safety issues, and the Vatican solely confirmed a papal assembly shortly earlier than the Ukrainian president’s aircraft touched down.
Italian state radio reported that as a part of protecting measures, a no-fly zone was ordered for Rome skies and police sharpshooters had been strategically positioned on excessive buildings.
Meloni met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, shortly earlier than the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.
Francis, who is keen for peace, final met with the Ukrainian chief in 2020.
The pontiff makes frequent impassioned pleas on behalf of Ukraine’s “martyred” folks, in his phrases.
At the top of April, flying again to Rome from a visit to Hungary, Francis informed reporters on the aircraft that the Vatican was concerned in a behind-the-scene peace mission however gave no particulars. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has confirmed such an initiative.
He has mentioned he want to go to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, if such a go to could possibly be coupled with one to Moscow, in hopes a papal pilgrimage may additional the reason for peace.
Last month, Ukraine’s prime minister met with Francis on the Vatican and mentioned he requested the pontiff to assist Ukraine get again youngsters illegally taken to Russia through the invasion.
The German authorities, in the meantime, mentioned it was offering Ukraine with further navy support value greater than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), together with tanks, anti-aircraft techniques and ammunition.
The announcement Saturday got here as preparations had been underway in Berlin for a potential first go to to Germany by Zelenskyy since Russia invaded his nation final 12 months.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius mentioned Berlin needs to indicate with the newest bundle of arms “that Germany is critical in its help” for Ukraine.
“Germany will provide all the help it can, as long as it takes,” he mentioned.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
