Global Courant 2023-05-13 16:14:37
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was received amid tight security and with a handshake by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani after landing at Rome’s Ciampino airport.
“Italy welcomes Zelensky”, he said. “We strengthen our commitment to the side of the Ukrainian people, in defense of freedom and democracy”, he added. The head of the country himself, faced with Russia’s brutal aggression for more than a year, described his visit to Rome as an important step for Ukraine’s victory.
Zelensky’s stop in the Italian capital comes shortly after a wave of Russian drone attacks and bombings in Kiev and other Ukrainian cities, which caused extensive damage. It also comes amid reports that Ukraine has advanced on Bahmut, a town in the east of the country, where fierce fighting has been going on for months.
Zelensky’s agenda in Rome includes meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and Pope Francis. Matarella welcomed him with the words: “Italy is with you”.
Pope Francis told reporters last month that the Vatican is involved in a peacekeeping mission aimed at ending the conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The visit of the Ukrainian president to Rome comes on the same day that Germany announced a new military aid package for Kiev worth 2.7 billion euros. This is the biggest package that Germany will send to Ukraine, since the beginning of the Russian occupation.
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