President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Luigi Di Maio.

The Head of Ukrainian State thanked the Italian government and Prime Minister Mario Draghi, as well as the entire Italian society for supporting the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine.

"In recent months, we've built relations between our states, which helped Ukraine withstand the struggle for our independence. Italy became one of the leading states that supported Ukraine, our society, forcibly displaced citizens," said Volodymyr Zelensky.

The President also thanked Italy for its financial and defense support.

The Head of State noted Mario Draghi's leadership in supporting our country's status as a candidate for joining the European Union.

"On the squares of the largest and even small cities in Italy, we have always seen our flags next to the Italian flags in support of our sovereignty and our candidacy," Zelensky said.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of Italy's leadership in the context of the preparation of the eighth package of sanctions against Russia. He also emphasized the need to introduce visa restrictions for Russian citizens.

"Separately, there is great political support from Italy within both the United Nations and our Second Summit of the Crimea Platform. I am grateful that the Prime Minister found time to personally support (the summit - ed.)," said the Head of State.