Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, Agence France-Presse reported, citing his spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov, BTA reported.
The head of state is accompanied by his wife Olena. "Volodymyr Zelensky, first lady Olena Zelenska (...) will attend the ceremony", spokesman Nikiforov said.
Last night, Zelensky admitted that he may not attend the funeral ceremony today due to important meetings with the military in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump said that he will talk to some people today in Rome on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral, ANSA reported, BTA reports. Trump made the remarks in response to a question from reporters covering his arrival in the Italian capital for the Pope's funeral last night.
The president said that among the people he will speak with today in Rome is Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and reiterated that she is an excellent prime minister. He declined to specify whether he will also meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who hinted last night that he may not be able to attend the Pope's funeral because of military meetings he is scheduled to attend in Ukraine.
Trump also did not clarify to reporters whether his talks today with other leaders would be genuine bilateral meetings or simply exchanges of words on the sidelines of an important event. The American head of state added that some people think it is a bit impolite to hold meetings when people have come for the Pope's funeral. "But I will see a lot of people", he added.
In response to a question about why he decided to attend Pope Francis' funeral, he said it was both to show respect and because he had won the votes of Catholics in the United States. Regarding the possible presence of his predecessor Joe Biden at the funeral, Trump said he was not informed about it and added that talking to him was not at the top of his priority list.
The US president also told reporters that it was "probably unlikely" to extend the temporary suspension of tariffs by 90 days. Trump will stay in Rome for only half a day, staying at the residence of the US ambassador "Villa Taverna". He is accompanied by first lady Melania, ANSA and Agence France-Presse recall.