Zelensky meets Meloni, touts upcoming drone deal with Italy

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Rome on April 15 for talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, continuing his diplomatic tour across Europe.

During the visit, Zelensky underscored the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and said that Kyiv and Rome are "working out the specifics" of an upcoming drone deal.

"Italy is very interested in developing joint production, especially in the drone sector, in which Ukraine has become a leading nation in recent years," Meloni said during a joint press conference with Zelensky after talks at the Chigi Palace.

Zelensky urged closer air defense cooperation among European partners, offering Ukraine's expertise in countering drones and missiles.

"We all need a truly effective defense system that can protect against any threats. War has changed," Zelensky said.

Meloni reiterated Italy's support for Ukraine and called for increased economic pressure on Russia, specifically through the EU's 20th sanctions package, currently blocked by Hungary.

The two leaders further discussed Kyiv's efforts to join the EU, the EU's 90-billion-euro ($105 billion) loan for Ukraine, the battlefield situation, and the U.S.-Iran conflict.

As part of his official visit, Zelensky also met Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace, who underscored the "deep friendship" between Italy and Ukraine, the Ansa news agency reported.

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Italy has supported Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war. Rome has supplied 12 defense aid packages between 2022 and 2025, including a SAMP/T air defense system delivered together with France, and pledged to continue its military support this year.

Recent weeks saw Zelensky make a series of diplomatic visits across Europe to conclude bilateral agreements and drum up support for Ukraine amid Russia's all-out invasion.

The Ukrainian president visited Norway and Germany on April 14, penning deals on joint weapons production and securing pledges for additional air defenses.

Kyiv is seeking closer cooperation with Europe as U.S. attention shifts to its war with Iran, now under a tenuous ceasefire.

The Middle East conflict also underscored a growing rift between Washington and its European allies.

Europe refused to join the U.S. in its war effort and send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — a key corridor for about a quarter of global oil trade — prompting Trump to threaten to withdraw from NATO.

Meloni, Italy's right-wing leader who has long supported Trump, also sought to distance herself from the U.S. president after his disparaging remarks toward Pope Leo XIV. Trump lashed out at Meloni in response, calling her comments "shocking."

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