Meloni, Zelensky discuss aid, reconstruction

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met on the sidelines of an economic forum in Italy on Saturday, discussing Ukraine's latest aid needs and reconstruction, reported Xinhua.

Italy "reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defense and to a just and lasting peace," Meloni's office said in a statement.

The two leaders paid "particular attention to the issue of reconstruction, also ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Italy in 2025," it added.

Meloni and Zelensky held talks during the ongoing annual European House-Ambrosetti forum, an international meeting held in Italy's northern Cernobbio city.

In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky confirmed one of the key topics discussed was "Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, particularly focusing on the restoration of our energy system."

Speaking in a panel at the forum, Meloni also pointed out the risks of destabilization for the geo-political and economic global space, and said she believed global actors such as China and India "will be able to play a role in resolving the conflict."