Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Pope Francis and the leaders of Italy in a show of support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Pope Francis for the first time since Russia invaded his country in February of 2022.

Zelensky was in Rome for a one-day visit, meeting with Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and later at the Vatican with Pope Francis, according to The Guardian.

Both Italian leaders emphasized Italy's continuing and full support for Ukraine "in terms of military, financial, humanitarian and reconstruction aid in the short and long term," according to the outlet.

Prime Minister Meloni condemned Russia's "brutal and unjust aggression" at a news conference with Zelensky, and she pledged Italy's continued support for Ukraine for "as long as is necessary." She called on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine.

"You can't achieve peace through a surrender," she said, adding that "It would be a very grave precedent for all nations of the world."

She also emphasized Italy's support for Ukraine's membership in the European Union and the "intensification" of a partnership with NATO.

The meeting occurred at a time that Ukraine has regained some of the territory Russia had taken over in the eastern city of Bakhmut, following a reported Russian withdrawal from the area.

Moscow's defense ministry said on Friday that some of its troops had dropped back "to more advantageous defensive positions." This comes amid speculation that Ukraine is beginning a spring counterattack.