As Zelensky Meets Pope Francis, Italy Vows Complete Backing to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Italy and met with its leaders to discuss military, financial, humanitarian, and reconstruction aid for Ukraine. Italy reiterated its full support for Ukraine’s EU membership and partnership with NATO. Zelensky also met with Pope Francis to discuss a peace mission to end the war with Russia. The pope has repeatedly expressed his desire to broker peace between Kyiv and Moscow and is willing to help repatriate Ukrainian children. Italy provided an escort for Zelensky’s flight over Italian airspace by fighter jets. Zelensky is due to be received in Berlin on Sunday.