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Ukraine Proposes Summit in Rome as Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’s Funeral

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Ukraine Proposes Summit in Rome as Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’s Funeral
Pope Francis I waves to the waiting crowd from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica on March 13, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Source: Getty Images)

Kyiv has proposed to Italy and several European partners to hold a summit on Ukraine, coinciding with the visit of foreign leaders to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, through diplomatic channels.

According to La Repubblica, citing its sources, the summit would involve the "Quint" format —comprising the US, Italy, France, the UK, and possibly Germany, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz representing Germany at the Vatican. Berlin has already indicated that Scholz may hold a series of bilateral talks with his counterparts during the visit to Rome.

Some countries, particularly Italy, have expressed concerns about the timing of the summit on the day of the funeral. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has noted potential logistical challenges, especially if high-profile figures, such as US President Donald Trump, attend with large delegations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also raised concerns. Given the complex nature of the war's resolution, there are worries that without concrete results, the summit could present reputational risks for Italy, La Repubblica wrote.

Nevertheless, Kyiv remains keen on holding the summit. Sources suggest that while the situation is still in flux, its likelihood is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Additionally, according to diplomats, Trump, who is scheduled to arrive in Rome on April 25—one day before Pope Francis' funeral—may hold a series of bilateral meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

There is also discussion of a separate meeting between Trump and Italian President Sergio Mattarella, along with Prime Minister Meloni. All meetings are planned to take place on Saturday after the farewell ceremony. However, no official confirmation has been given yet.

The venue for the meetings has not yet been determined. If informal talks take place, Trump may meet with individual leaders at the Villa Taverna, the residence of the US Ambassador. For a more official format, the Italian government is likely to seek a different location, according to La Repubblica.

It was previously announced that Zelenskyy will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, according to presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn.

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The "Quint" format refers to a diplomatic group consisting of five key Western powers: the United States, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This informal grouping is often used to coordinate responses and actions on significant international issues, particularly those related to European security and political matters.