British Prime Minister Starmer gathered 25 "willing" allies in a virtual meeting to discuss Ukraine's security, announcing a Thursday "operational military meeting." Prime Minister Meloni participated but firmly rejected sending Italian troops while emphasizing continued cooperation with the EU and US.
A pro-European demonstration in Rome's Piazza del Popolo drew 50,000 participants, with journalist Michele Serra declaring "we are many because we are a people" and writer Scurati making an appearance. The rally featured EU flags and no politicians on stage.
Meanwhile, Campi Flegrei near Naples experienced another earthquake measuring 3.9, the third in three days, felt throughout the city and prompting evacuations of 100 people.
In other news, the Vatican reported Pope Francis's health is improving after his hospitalization, while the US conducted raids against Houthi rebels in Yemen with Trump demanding Iran stop supporting them.