Zelensky and Meloni meet: How Italy will assist Ukraine in strengthening its defense and supporting post-war recovery efforts.
On the evening of January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Italy, where he met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zelensky noted that during the talks with Meloni, three main issues were discussed: enhancing security, responding to global challenges, and preparing for this year’s conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The meeting is planned to take place in Rome later this year.
The head of state announced this on the X platform (formerly Twitter). It is known that Zelensky’s meeting with the Prime Minister occurred immediately after the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the “Ramstein” format.
“I express my sincere gratitude to Italy and its citizens for their unwavering support. Together, we can bring about a just peace and strengthen our common positions,” emphasized the president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the results of his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in remarks to journalists. He stressed the importance of urgent agreements regarding support for Ukraine.
“There are very urgent matters, and I thanked the Prime Minister for the positive decision regarding the next support package. Now we want to expedite some details of this package,” noted Zelensky.
The president particularly highlighted the Samp/T air defense systems that Ukraine is receiving with the help of Italy and France.
“The quantity of missiles is very important for us, and we are counting on this assistance. There is a corresponding package of missiles, and we will receive them. There is also another package that needs to be finalized for it to reach us,” he added.
Additionally, political issues were discussed during the negotiations, including Italy's role on the international stage.
“Italy’s voice is important to us – we are very grateful to them. We appreciate the support from the people, and we have already started working on this year’s conference on the reconstruction of our historical heritage. Italy is very skilled in this regard,” summarized Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed with his Italian counterpart the possibilities of transferring missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. It is worth noting that it was previously planned for U.S. President Joe Biden to arrive in Rome on January 9 as well, but his visit was canceled due to massive wildfires sweeping through California.
Telegram oembed: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/12941
Zelensky's Previous Visit to Italy
In October 2024, after visiting France, the President of Ukraine arrived in Italy, where he met with the country’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Among other things, Zelensky presented Meloni with the "Ukraine Victory Plan". The parties also discussed providing military assistance to Ukraine.
It should be noted that a large-scale conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025. Meloni also assured that Ukraine will not be left alone – Italy will support it for as long as needed. It was announced back in August 2023 that Italy would host the conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine in 2025. The first event of this format took place in Lugano, Switzerland, in 2022, followed by London in 2023, and Berlin in 2024.
In September, more than 30 countries and the EU adopted a Joint Declaration in support of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Ukraine. According to the declaration, allies are to help Ukraine transition from economic resilience to economic revival. Additionally, the reconstruction of the country will be supported by revenues from frozen Russian assets.