Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday for discussions with Italian officials and Pope Francis. Who has stated that the Vatican has undertaken a behind-the-scenes operation to try to end Russia’s war, which began last year.
According to RAI, Zelenskyy arrived at a military airfield at Rome’s Ciampino airport. According to the ANSA news agency, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was on hand to receive him.
“Today in Rome,” tweeted Zelenskyy. “I’m meeting with President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni, and Pope @Pontifex.” A critical visit for Ukraine’s impending win!”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly supports military and other aid to Ukraine. As does President Sergio Mattarella. The meeting with Mattarella at the presidential Quirinale Palace was the first official engagement of what is anticipated to be a multi-day tour to the Italian capital. Zelenskyy is expected to travel to Berlin next.
Because of security concerns, Zelenskyy’s schedule was not publicised. And the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting minutes before the Ukrainian president’s plane touched down.
No-fly zone declared in Rome Airspace
According to Italian state radio, a no-fly zone was declared over Rome’s airspace. And police sharpshooters were strategically deployed on high-rise buildings.
Meloni spoke with Zelenskyy in Kyiv just days before the anniversary of Russia’s full-fledged invasion on February 24, 2022.
Francis, keen for peace, last visited with Ukrainian President Poroshenko in 2020.
The pope frequently makes emotional pleadings for Ukraine’s “martyred” people.
On his way back to Rome after a trip to Hungary at the end of April. Francis told reporters on the plane that the Vatican was engaging in a behind-the-scenes peace effort but provided no further information. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has verified the existence of such an endeavour.
Meanwhile, the German government said it would provide Ukraine with more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion) in military supplies, including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and ammunition.
The statement came on the same day that Berlin was preparing for Zelenskyy’s likely first visit to Germany since Russia invaded his country last year.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin wants to demonstrate “that Germany is serious in its support” for Ukraine with the newest batch of armaments.
“Germany will provide all the assistance it can for as long as it takes,” he stated.