Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome on Saturday to meet with Pope Francis and Italian leaders, as Germany unveiled a new weapons package ahead of an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Germany's new weapons package for Ukraine will include 30 additional Leopard-1 tanks.ROME -
Despite a history of warm ties with Moscow, including within the hard-right coalition government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy has been a strong supporter of Kyiv, sending weapons and aid and backing sanctions against Russia. Security forces locked down large areas of Rome ahead of Zelensky's visit, which will include an audience with the pope at the Vatican and meetings with premier Meloni and with Italian President Sergia Mattarella, who holds a largely ceremonial post.
Germany's defence ministry said it was preparing a package worth 2.7 billion euros , reportedly Berlin's largest since Russia invaded its neighbour.
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