Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will update the situation in Ukraine from time to time on the 14th (Japan time), including the status of the battle and diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 6-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
Prime Minister Italy: Assistance, including provision of weapons: "We will continue as long as it is needed"
President Zelensky of Ukraine visited Rome, the capital of Italy, on the 13th and held talks with Prime Minister Meloni.
At a joint press conference after the meeting, Prime Minister Meloni said, "Italy has demonstrated in its actions that it fully supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a victim of unjustified and brutal aggression by Russia."
In addition, he stated that he would like to continue assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of arms, as long as necessary, and expressed his intention to continue as the Government of Italy.
In response, President Zelensky said: "I would like to thank all the Italians for their unstinting support in defending our country, and today we discussed cooperation, especially in the defense and military spheres, and important decisions have been made to protect our skies."
President Zelensky then met with Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church at the Vatican.
According to the Holy See, at the meeting, Pope Francis said that he has been praying for the importance of peace since the start of Russia's military invasion in February last year, and agreed that it is necessary to continue humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people.
German Ministry of Defense announces 27.<> billion euros in military assistance to Ukraine
The German Ministry of Defense announced on the 13th that it will provide new military assistance of 27.4000 billion euros, or about 2 billion yen in Japan yen, to Ukraine, which is subject to Russia's military invasion.
This support includes 1 Leopard 30 tanks, 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and 4 air defense systems that are older than the Leopard 27 main battle tanks already provided by Germany and other countries.
Local media reported that the German government has allowed the provision of weapons worth 5000.<> billion euros since the invasion began, and the announcement of the aid will double military assistance to Ukraine.
German Defense Minister Pistorius emphasized Germany's continued support, saying, "We pray that Russia's horrific invasion in violation of international law will end as soon as possible, but unfortunately there is no prospect of doing so, so Germany will provide all possible assistance."