Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Thursday, October 10, 2024, that Italy will host an international conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine on July 10 and 11, 2025. This announcement was made in Rome, following a meeting with the Ukrainian president. Volodymyr Zelensky.
Meloni affirmed Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. She clarified that Italy will continue to send aid and weapons to kyiv, stressing that this equipment is intended for use only on Ukrainian territory. "Ukraine is not alone, and we will be at its side for as long as necessary," she said.
The support is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s position in future negotiations, with Meloni insisting that lasting peace cannot be achieved at the cost of capitulation. The announcement comes as Zelensky, on a diplomatic tour of Europe, has stressed that a ceasefire with Russia is not on the cards for now. He has also called for increased support from Western allies as a difficult winter looms.
The Ukrainian president will continue his meetings in Europe, including with Pope Francis at the Vatican this Friday.
