Zelensky in Rome for talks on latest leg of Europe tour

After visiting London and Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the Italian capital Rome for talks on the latest leg of his tour of Europe.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed Zelensky on Thursday evening at the Villa Doria Pamphili for a meeting, TV images showed.

As was the case in London and Paris, part of the discussions with Meloni will reportedly include the presentation of his "victory plan."

Zelensky is also expected to have a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday morning.

The relationship between the two is considered tense. The pontiff frequently mentions "martyred Ukraine" during public appearances, but in the past has also attracted attention with some controversial remarks about the Ukraine war.

As part of his tour of European capitals, Zelensky is expected to visit Berlin on Friday, where discussions with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier regarding further support for Ukraine are planned.