ROME — Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday for talks with Italian officers and Pope Francis, who has stated the Vatican has launched a behind-the-scenes initiative to attempt to finish the struggle launched final yr by Russia.
Zelenskyy arrived at a army airfield at Rome’s Ciampino airport, state broadcaster RAI reported. Italian International Minister Antonio Tajani was readily available to greet him, the ANSA information company stated.
“At present in Rome,” Zelenskyy tweeted. ”I’m assembly with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni and the Pope @Pontifex. An necessary go to for approaching victory of Ukraine! “
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni staunchly backs army and different assist for Ukraine, and with Mattarella, who’s head of state. The assembly with Mattarella on the presidential Quirinale Palace was the primary official appointment of what’s anticipated to be a go to to the Italian capital lasting a number of hours. 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 raring 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.
On the finish of April, flying again to Rome from a visit to Hungary, Francis instructed 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.
The German authorities, in the meantime, stated it was offering Ukraine with further army assist value greater than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), together with tanks, anti-aircraft methods 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 yr.
Protection Minister Boris Pistorius stated Berlin needs to point out with the newest package deal of arms “that Germany is critical in its assist” for Ukraine.
“Germany will present all the assistance it will possibly, so long as it takes,” he stated.
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Frank Jordans contributed from Berlin.
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Comply with the AP’s protection of the struggle at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine