Zelensky playfully calls out Meloni for avoiding meeting at Dublin summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly teased Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a social media video, responding to her greeting by saying she was the one who had avoided meeting sooner. The exchange occurred in Dublin on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, where the two embraced. Zelensky noted they had not met since the NATO summit in Ankara in early July, while Meloni replied diplomatically with "Nooo" to his remark. In his post, Zelensky said he briefed Meloni on negotiation efforts, including meetings in Abu Dhabi, and stressed the need for Europe's full involvement in ending the war. He also discussed Ukraine's defense needs, particularly air defenses and missiles to protect cities and energy infrastructure during winter, thanking Italy for its continued support.