Biden thanks far-right Italian Premier Meloni for her strong support of Ukraine

By AAMER MADHANI, SEUNG MIN KIM and FRANCES D’EMILIO
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is praising Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni for Italy’s “very strong support” of Ukraine under her watch. Biden welcomed Meloni on Thursday for her first visit to the White House since she became Italy’s premier last year. Biden expressed trepidation about Meloni when she first rose to power last year as the head of Italy’s first far-right led government since the end of World War II. But on the eve of Meloni’s visit, White House officials underscored she has proven to be a steady ally in the U.S.-led effort to assist Ukraine as it tries to repel Russia’s invasion. Meloni also met on Thursday with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders.