Italian PM to visit Kyiv by Feb 24

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, by February 24, the first anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Meloni said this at a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday as part of her visit to Germany, Ukrinform reports, citing ANSA.

"I will be in Kyiv before (the first anniversary of the start of the war on) February 24)," Meloni said.

She said there was "strong synergy between Italy and Germany" on Ukraine, saying the two nations had worked to support "Kyiv's self-defense" and would "continue to do so as long as necessary."

Meloni also said that Italy was working with France to help Ukraine with missile defense.

"We have reached our sixth package of aid," she added.

Meloni earlier said she planned to visit Ukraine in early 2023.