Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome during the Conference on the Recovery of Ukraine.
This was reported on the website of the head of state.
According to the Office of the President, more than 500 Italian companies are participating in the conference. It is expected that about 200 bilateral agreements worth more than €10 billion will be signed.
Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine needs a systematic approach to recovery and counts on Italy's active participation in the implementation of the reconstruction plan. Italy is already involved in the restoration of Odessa's cultural heritage and intends to expand its assistance.
‘At the conference, we are signing a number of agreements, as well as financial guarantee instruments for business... But also — regarding direct investments in our industrial enterprises,’ said Giorgia Meloni.
The leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defence. Meloni condemned Russian strikes on civilian and energy facilities and expressed her condolences for the deaths of Ukrainians.
The president noted that interceptor drones remain a priority for Ukraine's domestic defence production. He called for investment in joint production.
Special attention was paid to the launch of a special tribunal on the crime of aggression by the Russian Federation. Ukraine is waiting for the Italian parliament to ratify the agreement as soon as possible.
Other topics discussed by Zelenskyy and Meloni included the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, Ukraine's European integration, and the return of children illegally taken by Russia. Ukraine is counting on further assistance from Italy and the Vatican.
- On 10 July, a two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference began in Rome. A few minutes before the opening, footage of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities was shown.
- Ukraine is represented by Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his government team. Leaders from various countries and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are also participating in the event.
- The private sector, which is interested in Ukraine's recovery, is also present. In particular, representatives of 500 Italian companies. There are also representatives of international and public organisations.