Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome on Wednesday ahead of a high-level summit focused on rebuilding his war-torn country. He is set to meet Pope Leo XIV at the pontiff’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, marking their second private audience since Leo became the first American pope in May.
Zelensky will also hold talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg is attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference on behalf of Washington, as American aid to Kyiv remains uncertain under the new administration.
The international gathering, hosted by Italy, will bring together representatives from 40 global organisations and 2,000 companies. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend.
Zelensky’s visit follows what Kyiv says was Russia’s largest missile and drone assault in over three years, involving 728 drones and 13 missiles.
