Zelensky met with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni before heading to the Vatican for talks with Pope Francis, who has previously expressed interest in mediating the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Reuters news agency has reported.
According to the agency, Meloni condemned Russia's "brutal and unjust aggression," pledged Italy's support for Ukraine for "as long as is necessary," and emphasized Italy's support for Ukraine's membership of the European Union and partnership with NATO.
Reuters also reported that Zelensky's meeting with the Pope is expected to be the most significant part of his time in Italy, as the Pope has expressed a wish to act as a broker between Kyiv and Moscow and has previously tried to take a balanced approach in hopes of being a mediator.
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Source: Reuters