Ukraine's foreign minister to visit Italy and participate in G7 meeting

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is set to embark on a crucial diplomatic mission to Italy, where he will participate in the G7 ministerial meeting. His visit, spanning from April 17 to 19, underscores Ukraine’s pursuit of international support amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges, citing Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kuleba’s agenda includes a special session focused on bolstering international assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, the minister will engage in a series of bilateral talks with counterparts from the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, the United States, the European Union, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Key discussion points, as outlined by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, include the urgent provision of additional Patriot missile batteries and other air defense systems to fortify against Russian aggression, countering cooperation between Russian and North Korean regimes, and leveraging frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Enhancing air defense capabilities remains paramount for Ukraine amidst sustained Russian aggression. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Bart Eide on April 11 underscored preparations for a security agreement, defense cooperation, and efforts to bolster Ukrainian air defense.

Germany’s commitment to aiding Ukraine in procuring air defense systems, including the announcement of transferring another Patriot missile system, signals growing Western support. Earlier, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna urged Western nations to promptly provide Ukraine with air defense systems to fend off Russian threats.