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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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.
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