ROME (AP) – Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome on Saturday to meet with Pope Francis and Italian leaders, Italian state media reported.
Zelenskyy arrived at Rome’s Ciampino airport, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on hand to greet him, the ANSA news agency said.
Zelenskyy will hold midday meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who strongly supports military and other aid to Ukraine, and President Sergio Mattarella.
Zelensky’s exact schedule had not been publicly announced due to security concerns, and the Vatican only confirmed a papal meeting shortly before the Ukrainian president’s scheduled arrival in Rome.
Italian state television reported that as part of the protective measures, a no-fly zone was ordered for Rome’s skies and police snipers were strategically placed on tall buildings.
Meloni met with Zelenskyy in Kiev, shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
Francis, who is keen on peace, last met the Ukrainian leader in 2020.
According to his words, the pontiff makes frequent passionate pleas on behalf of the “martyred” people of Ukraine.
In late April, returning to Rome from a trip to Hungary, Francis told reporters on the plane that the Vatican was involved in a behind-the-scenes peace mission, but did not elaborate. Neither Russia nor Ukraine have confirmed this initiative.
Meanwhile, the German government said it was providing Ukraine with additional military aid worth more than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), including tanks, anti-aircraft systems and ammunition.
The announcement came on Saturday as preparations were being made in Berlin for a possible first visit to Germany by Zelenskyy since Russia invaded his country last year.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin wants to show with the latest arms package “that Germany is serious about its support” for Ukraine.
“Germany will offer all possible help, whenever needed,” he said.
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