Russia-Ukraine war news: Zelensky arrives in Rome to meet Pope, Italian leaders
Zelensky described his Italy and Vatican trip as “an important visit for approaching victory of Ukraine.” He is rallying his European allies this weekend ahead of a planned counteroffensive on the battlefield, and is looking for sustained military support from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Francis meanwhile has frequently called for an end to the war, and has cast himself in the role of peacemaker, although some analysts question whether there is a viable mediator role for the Vatican in a part of the world dominated by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Germany was also slated to host Zelensky in the coming days — but uncertainty surrounds that visit after details of his itinerary leaked to the press. Kyiv was “furious” after arrival details and the name of hotel the Ukrainian president was planning to stay in were published by a Berlin newspaper earlier this month, according to a Ukrainian official, who said the trip was almost completely called off as a result. German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said he could not confirm that the visit would go ahead.
Source: The Washington Post
