ISTANBUL

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday in Rome, where she offered condolences for victims of recent Russian attacks and reiterated Italy’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The meeting took place in Palazzo Chigi, the seat of the Italian government, during Zelenskyy’s visit to Italy to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and head of state of the Vatican.

"During the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed their support for President Trump’s efforts to reach a just and lasting peace, able to guarantee a future of security, sovereignty and freedom for Ukraine," according to a written statement by the Italian prime minister’s office.

On behalf of the Italian government, Meloni expressed deep condolences for the victims of the recent Russian assaults and condemned the attacks, stressing the urgency of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and urging Moscow to commit seriously to a peace process.

The statement also emphasized Italy’s welcome of Ukraine’s "full readiness for an immediate ceasefire," noting that Rome awaits a similar commitment from Russia.