Today (11th) is the 961st day of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on a European visit, arrived in Rome yesterday to meet with Italy Prime Minister Meloni and today to meet with Roman Catholic Pope Francis.
According to Italy's Tgcom24, Rainews network, and La Repubblica, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky visited United Kingdom and France before arriving in Rome, meeting with the new NATO Secretary-General Rutte, United Kingdom Prime Minister Starmer, and France President Emmanuel Macron, and seeking support for the "victory plan" proposed by him.
Last night, Zelensky met with Italy Prime Minister Meloni at Villa Panfili in Rome. The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in Ukraine and its urgent military, financial and humanitarian needs, discussed the next diplomatic steps and the path to an end to the conflict.
Zelensky, the website of the Prime Minister's Office of Italy, told Meloni about Ukraine's "victory plan". For her part, Meloni reaffirmed Italy's support for Ukraine's legitimate self-defense and the Ukraine people. As the G7 Presidency, Italy will continue to provide all-round support to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Meloni said Italy's goal is to create the most favorable conditions for Ukraine to move towards peace talks. Meloni said that peace is not surrender, and that is the advice of many cowards.
In addition, Italy will continue to contribute to the future reconstruction of Ukraine. Meloni announced that the "Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine" will be held in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.
Website of the Prime Minister's Office of Italy
This morning, Zelensky traveled to the Vatican for a private meeting with Roman Catholic Pope Francis. This is the third time that Francis has met with Zelensky at the Vatican. In addition, the two sides also talked during the G-7 summit held in June this year.
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According to reports, today's meeting lasted 35 minutes. Zelensky presented Francis with an oil painting depicting the "Bucha massacre". Francis returned with a bronze relief with the inscription: "Peace is a fragile flower".
After the meeting with Francis, Zelensky left Rome at noon today to continue his European tour to Berlin, Germany.
(Yi Yi Yi original, translation: Sasha, editor: Shu Liao, see the annotation for the picture source, please indicate Yi Yi: oushitalia for reprinting)