Zelensky calls on Meloni for more air defense and the European funds vetoed by Orbán

Rome.- The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asked this Wednesday in Rome before the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, for the production of more anti-aircraft defenses and the unlocking of a European aid package of 90 billion euros.

In the meeting at the Roman Chigi Palace, headquarters of the Italian government presidency, Zelensky informed Meloni about the situation on the battlefield and about Russian attacks that, he assured, have not ceased even during Easter. For that reason, he bet on "working together on the production" of these defensive systems.

Unlocking Financial Aid to Ukraine

Likewise, Zelensky explained that they also addressed the "need" to unblock the European Union's credit to support Kiev for 90 billion euros, a request that comes after the recent electoral defeat of the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, who was blocking it.

European Support for Kyiv

For her part, Meloni urged the unity of the allies since, in her opinion, "a divided West" and a "broken Europe" would be the "best gift for Moscow" and assured that Italy will continue to put economic pressure on Russia through the G7 and the European Union (EU). His words come after an unusual exchange of reproaches with US President Donald Trump for having defended Pope Leo XIV.

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In this regard, he welcomed the upcoming twentieth  EU sanctions package as «an important step to further reduce the inputs that feed the Russian war machine». The leader emphasized that the financial support approved by the European Council is "a fundamental instrument for the survival of Ukraine", warning that a financial crisis in Kiev would have "incalculable damage to the stability of all Europe". He also defended that the position of Europe and Italy has been in the four years of war "always the same", on the side of Kyiv, the people and its institutions.

Defense Cooperation

One of the key points of the meeting was the strengthening of cooperation in defense matters. The head of state, who addressed Zelensky as her "friend," highlighted that Italy is "very interested" in developing joint production of military technology, especially in the drone sector, where she recognized Ukraine as a "leading nation." "Instability is gradually becoming our new normal. It's a scenario that disorients, that can frighten, but I think that, especially in times like these, it is understood how the friendship between brotherly peoples, who have helped each other in the most difficult moments of their history, makes the difference," he concluded.