Ukraine’s Zelenskyy pays visit to Pope Francis, Italian officials in Rome before Germany trip

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly had personal talks with Pope Francis on the Vatican on Saturday, after assembly with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. 

In a tweet after the 40-minute viewers with the pope, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Francis for “his private consideration to the tragedy of thousands and thousands of Ukrainians.” He mentioned he spoke with the pontiff “concerning the tens of 1000’s of deported (Ukrainian) youngsters,” stating that “we should make each effort to return them residence.”

“As well as, I requested to sentence (Russian) crimes in Ukraine. As a result of there may be no equality between the sufferer and the aggressor,” Zelenskyy added. “I additionally talked about our Peace Formulation as the one efficient algorithm for reaching a simply peace. I proposed becoming a member of its implementation.”

Final month, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal requested the pope to assist get youngsters returned from Russia to Ukraine. The Vatican’s assertion Saturday made no point out of the request; as an alternative, the Vatican mentioned the 2 males spoke about Ukraine’s “humanitarian and political scenario provoked by the continuing battle.”

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Zelenskyy meets with Pope Francis

Pope Francis exchanges presents with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Studio of Paul VI Corridor on Might 13, 2023, in Vatican Metropolis, Vatican.  ( Vatican Media Vatican Pool/Getty Pictures)

“The pope assured his fixed prayer, paid witness to by his many public appeals and by his continued invoking of the Lord for peace, since February of final 12 months,″ the Vatican mentioned, a reference to the Russian invasion that started Feb. 24, 2022. Zelenskyy final met with the pope in 2020, earlier than the battle in Ukraine began, in response to Politico. 

Zelenskyy’s 10-point “peace” plan would set up a particular tribunal to prosecute Russian battle crimes. It might additionally create a European-Atlantic safety structure with ensures for Ukraine, restore Ukraine’s broken energy infrastructure and guarantee security round Europe’s largest nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia.

At a press convention earlier Saturday, Meloni voiced Italy’s backing for Ukraine’s purpose of changing into a member of the European Union and the “intensification” of a partnership with NATO.

Zelenskyy shakes hands with Italian PM

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake arms after a gathering at Palazzo Chigi on Might 13, 2023 in Rome, Italy.  (Simona Granati – Corbis/Corbis by way of Getty Pictures)

“The message is obvious and easy,” Meloni mentioned after a gathering with Zelenskyy that lasted greater than an hour. “The way forward for Ukraine is a way forward for peace and freedom. And it is the way forward for Europe, a way forward for peace and freedom, for which there are not any different doable options.”

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Meloni, who staunchly helps army help for Ukraine, mentioned Italy would again the nation “360 levels for on a regular basis needed and past.”

Individually, Italian President Sergio Mattarella informed Zelenskyy, “We’re absolutely at your aspect.” Presidential palace sources additionally mentioned Mattarella assured his visitor that Italy would proceed to assist Ukraine militarily and financially, in addition to with reconstruction and humanitarian help.

Ukraine president meets German chancellor in Berlin

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz greets Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Might 14, 2023. (AP Photograph/Matthias Schrader)

Zelenskyy later traveled to Berlin, the place he was welcomed Sunday in his first go to to Germany since Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Throughout a press convention, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz informed Zelenskyy his authorities will assist Ukraine “for so long as needed.” 

Zelenskyy mentioned his nation is making ready a counteroffensive designed to liberate areas occupied by Russia, to not assault Russian territory. On the eve of Zelenskyy’s arrival, the German government introduced a brand new bundle of army help for Ukraine price greater than 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), together with tanks, anti-aircraft programs and ammunition.

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“I thank Germany for the biggest army help bundle because the starting of the full-scale Russian invasion,” Zelenskyy tweeted. “German air protection programs, artillery, tanks and infantry preventing automobiles are saving Ukrainian lives and bringing us nearer to victory. Germany is a dependable ally! Collectively we’re bringing peace nearer!”

The Related Press contributed to this report. 

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