Zelensky continues his European tour in Rome

(Keystone-ATS) After initial stages in London and Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Thursday evening in Rome with the head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni. This European tour aims to garner more support for the Russian invasion.

Before Rome, where he should also meet at the Vatican with Pope Francis, Mr. Zelensky, received in Paris by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, assured the press that a ceasefire “is not a subject of our discussions. He attributed speculation on this subject to Russian “disinformation”.

He also, like everywhere else, called for a rapid increase in Western aid. “Before winter, we need your support,” he insisted.

Discussions on joint arms production with France were discussed, Volodymyr Zelensky then said on Telegram, welcoming the organization by Paris of a conference on nuclear safety and security on October 17.

Emmanuel Macron, for his part, assured that France’s aid was continuing “in accordance with its commitments”, and underlined “the progress in the training and equipment of a brigade. “It’s also a very unique model of cooperation,” he argued.

“Victory Plan”

Volodymyr Zelensky must still return to Berlin on Friday, less than a month before the American presidential election, the uncertain outcome of which has raised fears in kyiv for the sustainability of American support.

However, the prospect of a victory for Donald Trump was downplayed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in London. “Stop worrying about a Trump presidency,” he told reporters.

“I am absolutely convinced that the United States will be involved, because they understand that it is not only about Ukraine but also about themselves,” added the head of NATO.

As in Paris, President Zelensky presented the details of his “victory plan” against Russia to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mark Rutte on Thursday morning in London, according to a press release from the Ukrainian presidency.

This plan “aims to create favorable conditions for a just end to the war,” the Ukrainian leader said in the statement. “Ukraine can only negotiate with a strong position.” This plan must be unveiled during a second peace summit, expected in November, but the date of which has not been confirmed by kyiv.

Long-range missiles

Volodymyr Zelensky once again insisted on Thursday on “the need to obtain authorization to strike deep into Russian territory” with long-range weapons, supplied in particular by the United Kingdom.

The leader has for months been demanding authorization to use Britain’s long-range Storm Shadow missiles to hit targets inside Russian territory.

Mark Rutte told the press that “legally, Ukraine is allowed to use its weapons, if they can target targets in Russia, as long as these targets pose a threat to Ukraine.” But the decision also rests “on each ally individually,” he added.

The British Prime Minister “reiterated (the United Kingdom’s) unfailing support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s military aggression.” The UK has been one of kyiv’s main supporters since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. This is the second time the Ukrainian president has come to London since Labor took office. be able to on the 4th of July.

Expensive weapons

This European tour comes as Russian troops continue their advance in eastern Ukraine.

On Friday, the Ukrainian president will be received in Berlin by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose government plans to halve its bilateral military aid to Ukraine in 2025, to the great displeasure of kyiv. The German research institute Kiel Institute warned on Thursday of a possible drop in Western aid to Ukraine next year.

The possible return of Donald Trump to the White House “could block future aid plans in Congress,” warns the institute, which lists the military, financial and humanitarian aid promised and delivered to Ukraine.

According to its projections, military and financial aid would amount to 59 and 54 billion euros respectively in 2025 if Western donors maintained their level of aid. Conversely, they would fall by half, to 29 and 27 billion euros, without new American aid and if European donors aligned with Germany.

President Zelensky, who has been visiting Western chancelleries for more than two and a half years, has deplored in recent weeks the slowness of his allies’ decision-making.

In the meantime, Russian forces are gradually advancing in the Donetsk region towards Pokrovsk, a logistics hub for Ukrainian troops.