Zelensky explained that he could not have time for a funeral, because he has planned several military meetings regarding, in particular, air defense. He must also meet with the Minister of Defense Rustema Umarov and hold a meeting of the head of the commander in chief, at which several closed issues should be discussed, including a blow to the Svyatoshinsky district of Kyiv on the night of April 24, as well as the “corresponding steps of Ukraine.”
“If I do not have time, Ukraine will be presented at a decent level: Foreign Minister [Андрей Сибига] And the first lady [Елена Зеленская] They will be present there, ”Zelensky said.
The President noted the importance of Ukraine’s presence in the Vatican, not only because of the help of the Vatican in the return of Ukrainian children and the exchange of prisoners or personal good relations with Pope Francis.
“Also express the words of compassion and gratitude to the Vatican and Italy. Of course, we very much respect our relationship with the Prime Minister of Italy [Джорджей Мелони]. We respect that they are just the same – friendly, partnership, ”Zelensky added.
Context
For farewell to Pope Francis, the current US President Donald Trump with his wife Melanie had already set off to the Vatican.
Earlier, Zelensky expressed a desire to meet in the margin of funeral with Trump. The head of the White House, before flying to the Vatican, said that, “maybe”, he would meet there with Zelensky. CBS News drew attention to the fact that American and Ukrainian delegations will sit separately, because the Vatican adheres to the protocol of the departure of guests in French alphabet (the United States to French is transferred as États-unis).
