Volodymir Zelensky recently visited Germany and Italy to meet with leaders and discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In Germany, he attended a meeting regarding the situation in Ukraine and spoke with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He then traveled to Cernobbio, Italy, where he will be meeting with Giorgia Meloni to discuss the conflict further. Zelensky’s main goal during these meetings is to request more weapons and anti-aircraft defenses from his allies, in light of the recent Russian offensive and attacks on Ukraine. He also aims to persuade Italy to allow the use of weapons provided to Ukraine to target Russian territories.
Zelensky criticized the Western countries’ policy of denying Kiev long-range capabilities to strike into Russia, stating that it is essential to have this capability not only in Ukrainian territory but also in Russian territory to incentivize Moscow to seek peace. He emphasized the need for strength in negotiations with Putin and stressed that the intention is not to target civilians but military installations within a range of 100-300 kilometers. Zelensky appreciated Italy’s support for Ukraine and expressed confidence that he and Giorgia Meloni would achieve significant objectives together in addressing the conflict and striving for peace.
The issue of providing Ukraine with military support remains divisive in Europe, with Italy and Hungary opposing the lifting of restrictions on arms sales. Viktor Orban’s presence at the Cernobbio meeting highlighted the tense relations between Hungary and Ukraine. Orban suggested that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin is necessary and possible, but this stance has drawn criticism in Kiev and beyond. Zelensky continues to receive additional aid, with the US announcing a $250 million package, Germany providing more Panzer 2000 howitzers, and the UK sending 650 Martlet missiles. Further assistance is coming from Spain, Canada, and the EU to address the impact of the conflict on Ukraine’s infrastructure.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for more military assistance to end the war quickly. He stressed the importance of providing weapons to Ukraine to show Putin that victory cannot be achieved through military means. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen fierce fighting, with Russia claiming the capture of a village in Donetsk and launching airstrikes on the city of Pavlograd, resulting in casualties. Zelensky reported significant losses on both sides, highlighting the toll the conflict has taken on soldiers and civilians.
The war in Ukraine continues to be a battle of numbers, with Moscow reporting Ukrainian casualties and losses during the offensive in Kursk, while Zelensky claims that Russian troops have suffered casualties in the thousands. Zelensky noted the territorial gains made by Ukrainian forces in Russian territories and emphasized the need for continued support from Western allies to address the crisis. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with Zelensky determined to push for more military aid and the ability to use weapons provided to Ukraine to target Russian forces.
