The Ukrainian leader reportedly hopes that Rome could help him secure additional Patriot batteries
Ukraine wants Italy to use its presidency in the G7 to pressure the US to deliver more Patriot air defense missile batteries to Kiev, the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the newspaper, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky sees Rome as “a mediator” that could help to “push Washington to unblock the transfer of a significant number of Patriots” before the US presidential election in November.
Zelensky met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio on Saturday, where the leaders discussed further Western aid to Ukraine. Meloni reaffirmed her support and promised “not to abandon Ukraine.”
Officials in Kiev have been urging NATO countries to provide more advanced air defense systems as Russia has stepped up strikes on Ukrainian territory in…