President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, speaking about his visit to Italy and meetings with the president and prime minister of that country, as well as talks with Pope Francis.

"I wish health, dear Ukrainians!

Today — in Rome. As always with such visits, there are results. Today we have become stronger.

Met with the President of Italy and Head of Government — this is a political level meeting. Heard that Italy will continue to support Ukraine — as much as needed for us to stand our ground and protect our people, our territory.

Agreed with Giorgia, Prime Minister Madam, on our new joint defense steps. There are good things we will do together to defend the sky. There are good things we will do together to defend the land. Agreed on weapons and HIMARS. As Giorgia rightly said, when we in Ukraine protect freedom and our lives from Russian bombs and rockets, from terror, we distance war from the rest of Europe.

Today Russian killers took the life of another Ukrainian child — a girl who was not even 16 years old. Her name was Nadia. A man also died, he was 64 years old. Just ordinary people from an ordinary town Konstantinivka in Donbas. My condolences to their loved ones...

This was a Russian strike with rocket artillery. Simply on the streets — on houses, shops, at a pharmacy and warehouse. This is how Russia wages war. With artillery against ordinary streets, against any people — children or adults, men or women. And this can only be stopped by strong weapons that our soldiers can use to drive out aggression. Drive it out so the Kremlin cannot spread aggression to other European peoples.

Today I had the honor personally to thank Rome, all of Italy, Madam Meloni and everyone in the Italian political class who honestly responds to the present threat to our entire European way of life.

Met with Pope Francis, and this was a conversation that can truly influence history, really help stop the evil of aggression.

I told about the crimes committed by Russian occupiers against our people, about the deportation of Ukrainian children. Even the exact number is unknown — how many children Russia has stolen from Ukraine and hides away from their relatives, somewhere abroad in foreign lands. Asked His Holiness to help bring our children home, back to Ukraine.

Also spoke about other points of our peace formula, besides the return of all deported and imprisoned people. And I believe that the will and sincerity of His Holiness can bring us closer to realizing our peace formula, closer to a just, honest peace.

In the evening from here, Rome, I spoke with the President of South Africa too. Spoke about the peace formula, about justice, about how our world must be united by international law. Anyone who helps an aggressor with weapons will be a co-participant in all consequences. Called on Mr. President to join other countries around the world from all continents, including Africa, to work together for the realization of our peace formula.

By the way, Italy today unequivocally supported all points of Ukraine's peace formula. Thank you for this.

There is also a joint declaration with Italy today. All important things: EU — Italy supported the start of negotiations in the 23rd year, right and timely signals about NATO.

And one more thing. Especially grateful to all those people who were on the streets of Rome with our Ukrainian flags, who greeted the Ukrainian delegation with open hearts and sincere good feelings. Italy must always be on the side of good so that good remains in Europe!

Viva Italia!

Glory to our soldiers!

Thank you to our air forces and all HIMARS fighters of other types and kinds of troops!

Glory to Ukraine!»