Zelensky to meet Pope as Germany unveils more arms for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome on Saturday to hold meetings with Pope Francis and Italian leaders. Simultaneously, Germany revealed a new armament package in anticipation of an upcoming Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Zelensky expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, tweeting, "An important visit as Ukraine approaches victory!" This marked his first visit to Italy, an EU and NATO member, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite Italy's historical ties with Moscow, including its involvement in the hard-right coalition government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the country has been a staunch supporter of Kyiv. Italy has provided weapons, assistance, and support for sanctions against Russia.
Pope Francis, who previously hosted Zelensky at the Vatican in February 2020, has consistently advocated for peace in Ukraine. Almost every week, he offers prayers for the victims of the war.
In preparation for Zelensky's visit, security forces implemented stringent measures, leading to the lockdown of large areas of Rome. The president's itinerary included an audience with the pope at the Vatican, as well as meetings with Prime Minister Meloni and Italian President Sergia Mattarella, whose role is primarily ceremonial.
Speculation abounds that Zelensky's trip to Rome might be followed by a visit to Berlin. Germany recently announced a substantial weapons package for Ukraine, valued at 2.7 billion euros ($2.95 billion). This package, reportedly the largest since Russia's invasion, symbolizes Germany's commitment to aiding Ukraine. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed Germany's resolve to support Ukraine for as long as necessary, acknowledging the absence of immediate prospects for ending the devastating war waged by Russia against the Ukrainian people.
The package will encompass various military assets, including 30 additional Leopard-1 tanks, Marder armored vehicles, air-defense systems, and surveillance drones. According to Der Spiegel magazine, this would be Germany's most extensive assistance package to Kyiv since the outbreak of the conflict. While Western allies have been providing Ukraine with increasingly potent weaponry, Zelensky's request for advanced fighter jets remains unfulfilled.
As tensions escalate, the United Kingdom announced its decision to dispatch Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, becoming the first nation to supply long-range weapons to Kyiv. Russia condemned this move as "an extremely hostile step."
On the ground, conflicting reports from the eastern city of Bakhmut indicate a surge in fighting after months of relative stability, fueling expectations of Kyiv's spring counteroffensive. The timing and location of Ukraine's strategic battle to expel Russian forces from occupied territory have been subject to intense speculation. However, Zelensky recently asserted that his armed forces require more time to prepare.
Prime Minister Meloni, who assumed office in October after her far-right Brothers of Italy party triumphed in September's elections, visited Kyiv in February to emphasize her country's support. During her visit, she met with President Zelensky. Last month, she hosted Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Rome, where they discussed how Italian businesses could aid in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged nation.
During an address to several ambassadors to the Holy See earlier on Saturday, Pope Francis once again acknowledged the suffering and countless deaths caused by the war in Ukraine. In a papal audience in Rome last month, Prime Minister Shmyhal invited the 86-year-old pontiff to Ukraine and sought his assistance in repatriating children forcibly taken to Russia. In response, Francis affirmed his desire to help, stating that "a mission is underway," though he did not disclose further details. Both Kyiv and Moscow claimed to be unaware of such a mission.
