Ukraine has turned to Italy and other key EU partners with a proposal to organize a summit dedicated to the Russian-Ukrainian war, amid the arrival of world leaders in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. About this informs La Republica.
Through diplomatic channels, the Ukrainian side proposed a broader summit format than a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. We are talking about the “Quint” format, which should include the USA, Italy, France, Great Britain and, probably, Germany. The German government has confirmed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will attend the Pope’s funeral, may hold a series of bilateral talks in Rome.
US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in the Italian capital on the evening of April 25 to take part in the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis, which will take place on April 26 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Although the White House has not officially announced the list of Trump’s bilateral meetings, sources said that at least three talks are being prepared – with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the Prime Minister of Great Britain Keir Starmer.
Meetings can take place immediately after the farewell ceremony. Trump’s separate talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney are also being considered, but there is currently no official confirmation.
Regarding the proposal to organize a full-scale summit, some countries, in particular Italy, are cautious. The Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani previously expressed doubts about the feasibility of holding such an event on the day of the Pontiff’s burial.
“I doubt that the summit can be held on the day of the Pope’s funeral. Where is the summit held? On the day of the funeral, Trump with a hundred motorcades. From a logistical point of view, it seems very difficult to me.” Tajani said.
It is currently unclear where exactly these meetings may take place. If we are talking about Trump’s informal bilateral talks with European leaders, they can take place at Villa Taverna, the residence of the US ambassador. Otherwise, the Italian government may provide another accommodation. As for the position of the Ukrainian side, the Office of the President did not officially comment on the information about the initiative to hold the summit in Rome.
