**Ukrainian President Meets Italian Leader in London**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on March 2. The two leaders discussed a joint action plan to end the war in Ukraine and achieve lasting peace.
The meeting took place during an international summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. Starmer is bringing together leaders from over a dozen countries, as well as EU and NATO officials, to discuss strategies for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
**Zelensky’s Message**
In a tweet, Zelensky said the meeting with Meloni was “productive” and that they discussed ways to end the war. He also emphasized the importance of unity among Western countries in support of Ukraine.
“No one other than Putin is interested in the continuation and quick return of the war,” Zelensky wrote on X. “Therefore, it is essential to maintain unity around Ukraine and strengthen our country’s position in cooperation with our allies – the countries of Europe and the United States.”
**Italy Offers Support**
Italian Prime Minister Meloni said her country can act as a bridge between Kyiv and Washington. She also expressed concerns about the division of Western countries.
“We must avoid the risk that the West divides,” Meloni said. “And I think on this, the U.K. and Italy can play an important role in bridge building.”
**War Updates**
In other news, Ukraine’s air defense forces shot down 63 out of 79 Russian drones launched overnight. The Air Force reported no casualties among Ukrainian personnel.
Additionally, Lithuania has invested €20 million ($21 million) in purchasing weapons for Kyiv from Ukrainian producers and will produce arms in cooperation with Ukraine.
**Russian Aggression**
Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukraine. A ballistic missile struck the Odesa port on March 1, damaging infrastructure and a foreign civilian ship.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has deployed a new team to the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine through Russian-occupied territory.
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