Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Rome on Saturday to thank Italy for its assistance and to meet Pope Francis, as Germany announced a new weapons package in preparation for an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.
“An important visit for approaching victory of Ukraine!” Zelensky tweeted shortly after arriving in Rome, on his first visit to EU and NATO member Italy since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
According to a German government source, he was scheduled to travel to Berlin on Sunday, the day after Berlin unveiled a fresh arms deal worth 2.7 billion euros ($2.95 billion) for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, both sides claimed to be making gains on the front lines near the eastern hotspot town of Bakhmut.
For Zelensky’s visit, there was a substantial security presence in Rome, which began with a formal welcome from President Sergio Mattarella, followed by a 70-minute meeting with Meloni.
Despite a history of friendly relations with Moscow, including during Meloni’s hard-right coalition administration, Italy has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv, supplying arms and aid and supporting sanctions against Russia.
Zelensky “expressed gratitude for Italy’s consistent position in supporting Ukraine” in a statement.
Later, he was scheduled to meet with Pope Francis, who has persistently appealed for peace in Ukraine and prays for war victims virtually every week.
