Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome on Saturday for expected talks with Italy’s leaders in his first visit to the EU and NATO nation since Russia’s invasion, media reports said.
Television images showed a long cortege leaving the military base of Rome’s Ciampino Airport. Zelensky will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and also with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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Today in Rome. I'm meeting with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister of Italy @GiorgiaMeloni and the Pope @Pontifex. An important visit for approaching victory of Ukraine! 🇮🇹🤝🇺🇦🤝🇻🇦
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 13, 2023
tweeted on SatrItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited Kyiv in February to emphasise her country’s support for Ukraine, is also likely to meet the Ukrainian president during his trip.
Despite a history of warm ties with Moscow, NATO and EU member Italy has sent weapons and money to help Kyiv since Russia invaded in February 2022, and backed Western sanctions against Russia.
As Zelensky arrived in Rome, Germany announced a 2.7 billion euro weapons package for Kyiv including tanks, armoured vehicles and air-defence systems.
It was not clear how long Zelensky would be in Rome, with speculation he could also be planning a trip to Germany this weekend.
Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said in a tweet on Saturday morning that she would also be in Germany this weekend.
Today, I am heading to #Aachen 🇩🇪 as the International Charlemagne Prize is awarded to President @ZelenskyyUa & the People of 🇺🇦 . Proud to participate in the ceremony as @KarlspreisAC laureate of 2022 & honor the 🇺🇦 President & People in our common fight for a democratic future. pic.twitter.com/bjcCy0JHRn
— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (@Tsihanouskaya) May 13, 2023
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