Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to visit Rome on Saturday. Initially, only a reception of President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace, seat of the head of the republic, was confirmed. It was to be expected that Zelensky would also take advantage of the day to talk with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Vatican is also working on a face-to-face meeting between Pope Francis and the Kiev guest.
Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the pontiff has been campaigning for a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Details of Zelensky’s stay in the Eternal City initially remained secret for security reasons. It was also unclear whether the president would remain in Germany after the Rome appointments. In Berlin, people have been preparing for Zelensky’s visit for several days now – but that wasn’t confirmed until Friday. On Sunday, Selenskij will receive the renowned Charlemagne Prize in Aachen. It was not clear whether he himself would accept.