As a part of his working visit to Rome, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a meeting with the President of the Italian Senate, Ignazio La Russa.
Ignazio La Russa stressed that modern russia is a continuation of the soviet union, a state that has always used force and by using tanks tried to suppress the nation. Today, russia acts in the same way. He reaffirmed that Italy will continue to provide Ukraine with energy, financial and military assistance, and will do everything possible for a just peace - «the kind of peace that Ukraine envisions.»
«The clear message was voiced: Ukraine defends not only itself, but also Europe as a whole,» Ruslan Stefanchuk highlighted.
During the meeting, the parties discussed Italy's readiness to join the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and active participation of Italian business in future projects.
Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Italy for its consistent support throughout all years of the war. «Ukraine continues to need this support, especially now, when intensive diplomatic efforts are under way to achieve a lasting and just peace,» he emphasised.
The parties also stressed the need for a strong and united European voice in countering russian aggression. At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine thanked Italy for its solidarity and its readiness to work together in the interests of peace and security across Europe.