Rome: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held separate meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, urging deeper defense cooperation, stronger EU sanctions on Russia, and renewed support for Ukraine's post-war recovery.
According to Anadolu Agency, during his meeting with Meloni on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Zelenskyy praised Italy for hosting the event. He emphasized the need for sustained investment and strategic coordination in reconstruction efforts. The Ukrainian presidential office reported that over 500 Italian companies attended the conference, with nearly 200 agreements valued at £10 billion ($10.8 billion) expected to be signed.
Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of a systematic approach to rebuilding Ukraine, while Meloni reiterated Italy's commitment by mentioning the signing of financial guarantee instruments and direct investment deals. Italy also pledged to support the restoration of Odesa's cultural heritage and expand its involvement in other recovery sectors. The leaders discussed Ukraine's critical air defense needs and potential joint defense manufacturing projects. Meloni condemned Russian strikes on civilians and reaffirmed Ukraine's role as the only side seeking genuine peace negotiations.
Zelenskyy also called for the swift approval of the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia and urged the Italian parliament to ratify an international agreement to establish a special tribunal addressing Russia's aggression. He sought increased support from Italy and the Vatican for securing the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russian forces.
Later, Zelenskyy met with Schoof, where he welcomed the Netherlands' new £300 million aid package for 2024-2025, focused on defense and reconstruction. Their talks centered on expanding joint weapons production and air defense capabilities in response to Russian missile and drone attacks. Schoof denounced Moscow's strikes and reaffirmed Dutch solidarity with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the Netherlands on X for hosting the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague and welcomed Dutch contracts with Ukrainian drone producers under the 'Drone Line' initiative. He also extended an invitation to Schoof to visit Ukraine.