For Ukraine, it is important to develop cooperation with Italy not only at the level of central institutions, but also with regions and local communities": Oleksandr Korniyenko Pays a Working Visit to Italy

First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniyenko paid a working visit to the Italian Republic, during which he held a series of meetings with Italian parliamentarians, representatives of Holy See, regional and local authorities, as well as took part in Abruzzo Economy Summit 2026.

Among the first was a meeting at the Vatican with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher. During the conversation, the parties discussed humanitarian issues, in particular the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians illegally detained by russia, as well as deported Ukrainian children.

Oleksandr Korniyenko shared testimony from Ukrainians who have returned from russian captivity, reporting inadequate conditions of detention, torture, and other violations of international humanitarian law.

"For Ukraine, it is of fundamental importance that international humanitarian organizations have access to the places where our citizens are held, and that all available diplomatic channels are utilized to bring them home," noted the First Deputy Speaker.

During the conversation, the parties reviewed the current situation in Southern and Eastern Ukraine, where humanitarian and religious organisations continue to work under difficult security conditions, often close proximity to the frontline. Separately, the parties discussed food security and the consequences of russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, logistics, industry, and energy infrastructure.

"I thank Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher for a substantive and open conversation, for his attention to Ukraine, and for the readiness of the Holy See to continue its efforts where diplomatic and humanitarian mediation can deliver concrete results and help bring our defenders, civilians, and children back home," emphasized Oleksandr Korniyenko.

As part of the visit, the First Deputy Speaker held a series of meetings with representatives of the Senate of the Italian Republic. During the meeting with Vice President of the Senate Licia Ronzulli, the parties discussed the development of parliamentary diplomacy, cooperation in security and defense, joint technological and industrial projects, Ukraine's reconstruction, and the return of deported Ukrainian children.

In talks with Senator Carlo Calenda, the sides raised the issues of maintaining support for Ukraine in Italy and other European countries, countering russian information campaigns, and strengthening direct contacts between Ukrainian and Italian parliamentarians. They also discussed the possibility of organizing visits to Ukraine for Italian lawmakers, local government representatives, youth, and experts.

During the meeting with Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, Chair of the 4th Standing Committee of the Senate of the Italian Republic on European Union Policies, the parties focused on Ukraine's European integration, the alignment of legislation with EU standards, and the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. Oleksandr Korniyenko invited Italian colleagues to participate in the upcoming Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform and presented Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata with the Certificate of Honor of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

In talks with members of the 3rd Standing Committee of the Senate of the Italian Republic on Foreign Affairs and Defence, led by Deputy Chair of the Committee Roberto Menia, the sides discussed continued military support for Ukraine, the strengthening of air and missile defense, sanction pressure on russia, and the protection of energy infrastructure. Oleksandr Korniyenko also emphasized Ukraine's readiness to share its experience in countering drones, hybrid threats, and cyberattacks.

"I thank Italy and our Italian colleagues for their consistent support of Ukraine throughout the years of full-scale war, as well as their readiness to further develop practical cooperation between our countries," noted the First Deputy Speaker.

Oleksandr Korniyenko held a separate meeting with Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic Giorgio Mulè and members of the Italian section of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Ukraine.

The parties discussed continued support for Ukraine, the protection of energy infrastructure, European integration, and the development of inter-parliamentary contacts. Special attention was paid to the prospects for cooperation in innovation, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and joint technological projects, where Ukraine's experience can combine with Italy's engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

During the meeting, Oleksandr Korniyenko presented the representatives of the Chamber of Deputies with Certificates of Honor of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. In turn, Giorgio Mulè handed him a commemorative medal produced by the Italian State Printing House and Mint to mark the second anniversary of the full-scale war.

Another key area of the working visit was participation in the Abruzzo Economy Summit — Stati Generali dell’Economia in Pescara, which brought together representatives of government, business, and expert circles to discuss economic development, infrastructure, geopolitics, innovation, and new technologies.

In his speech, Oleksandr Korniyenko outlined the operation of the Verkhovna Rada in conditions of full-scale war and the legislative changes necessary for Ukraine's European integration.

"Despite ongoing security threats, parliament continues to fulfill its functions, with both the majority and the opposition having the opportunity to work on legislative initiatives. A significant part of this work today is directly linked to European integration — the alignment of legislation, the rule of law, anti-corruption policy, civil service, and other sectoral reforms," noted the First Deputy Speaker.

The future architecture of European security became an important theme of the summit. Oleksandr Korniyenko emphasized Ukraine's role as a partner with practical experience in modern warfare, particularly in the use of drones, robotic systems, and advanced technologies.

The parties also addressed the resilience of the economy and infrastructure, the restoration of damaged facilities, energy protection, water and heat supply, business relocation, and opportunities for business development in conditions of war.

"For Ukraine, it is important to develop cooperation with Italy not only at the level of central institutions, but also directly with regions and local communities," emphasized Oleksandr Korniyenko.

On the sidelines of the summit, the First Deputy Speaker met with President of the Abruzzo Region Marco Marsilio, Prefect of Pescara Luigi Carnevale, and Mayor of L'Aquila Pierluigi Biondi.

During the meeting with Marco Marsilio, the parties discussed the economic resilience of Ukrainian regions, the operation of business and the agricultural sector amid russian attacks, as well as opportunities for practical cooperation both now and during reconstruction.

Talks with Luigi Carnevale and Pierluigi Biondi focused on L'Aquila's experience in rebuilding after a devastating earthquake, the return of residents to communities, and the distribution of responsibilities among central, regional, and local authorities.

Special attention at the summit was paid to cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian local communities. Oleksandr Korniyenko attended the signing of international cooperation agreements and letters of intent between municipalities of the two countries. According to him, such agreements should serve as the foundation for further inter-municipal cooperation and joint projects for community recovery and development.

The First Deputy Speaker also spoke with Senator of the Italian Republic Pier Ferdinando Casini, President of the Italian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. They discussed the development of the Ukrainian-Italian inter-parliamentary dialogue and opportunities to strengthen interaction between the two countries at the international level.

As part of the Abruzzo Economy Summit, Oleksandr Korniyenko also took part in the diploma award ceremony for participants of the UEAM Academy. Over the course of five days, representatives of Ukrainian communities worked with European funding programs, prepared grant applications, studied the experience of rebuilding Italian territories, and met with business and institutional leaders.

"It is precisely through such direct contacts between regions and communities that cooperation begins, which should subsequently translate into concrete joint projects and tangible results," emphasized the First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.