Under reinforced security, Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed by the highest authorities of the Italian State

Giorgia Meloni and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Rome, Saturday, May 13, 2023. AP - Alessandra Tarantino

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Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Rome on Saturday morning for an official visit, the first since the beginning of the war. He was welcomed by the highest authorities of the State: first a meeting with the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, followed by a lunch with the head of government Giorgia Meloni. Before crossing the Tiber to meet Pope Francis in the afternoon. A day under high security in a country engaged in the supply of weapons to Ukraine since the beginning of Russian aggression.

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With our correspondent in Rome, Anne Treca

With reinforced controls in train stations, airports, on major traffic arteries, more than a thousand agents deployed on the ground, helicopters in the sky, snipers wherever Zelensky's convoy passes, the atmosphere is serious today in Rome.

Italian, Ukrainian and European flags side by side. "It is an honor to receive you", this is how the President of the Italian Republic welcomed Volodymyr Zelensky to whom he renewed all the support of Italy in the face of Russian aggression.

From the beginning, this Italian support for Ukraine has been unwavering, first with Mario Draghi's government, then with Giorgia Meloni.

>> Also listen: Armament: research continues in Ukraine

A visit "important for our victory"

Yet Italy is the European Union country with the highest number of opponents of sending arms to Ukraine. More than four Italians out of ten disapprove of their government's choice. And in value, if we add up the military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Italy is only 11th in the ranking of countries that help Ukraine.

The supply of weapons, the reconstruction of the country, the hope of peace and Ukraine's entry into the European Union are however firm commitments by the leaders of the main party in the ruling coalition, Fratelli d'Italia, and the leading opposition party. All these topics are on the agenda of this visit described as "important for our victory" by the Ukrainian president.

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Read on on the same topics:

• Italy
• Ukraine
• Giorgia Meloni
• Volodymyr Zelensky
• Pape François