Zelensky receives assurances from Italian leaders ahead of meeting with Pope

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, in Rome ahead of talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican, has received assurances from Italian leaders of continued military and other aid as his country fights to liberate itself from Russia’s military invasion launched last year. The pontiff recently said that the Vatican has launched a behind-the-scenes initiative to try to end the war, which broke out in February 2022. Mr Zelensky arrived at a military airfield and was met by Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani, before being whisked off to meetings with president Sergio Mattarella and premier Giorgia Meloni. For more world news visit Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: