Volodymyr Zelenskyy following talks with Giorgia Meloni in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni, who is on a visit to our country.

Welcoming the Italian delegation headed by the Prime Minister to Kyiv, the Head of State called the meeting significant as it takes place on the eve of the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Russia, the year of our invincibility, joint defense against Russian terror and joint efforts to restore stability and security in Europe.

"Italy and Ukraine share a common vision of the value of peace. Ukrainians and Italians are among those nations that especially cherish life, cherish family, kinship and the opportunity to be with their loved ones. That is why we are striving together to stop the Russian terror as soon as possible, to stop this absolutely unprovoked and aggressive war of Russia against the people of Ukraine," the President said.

The Head of State expressed gratitude to Italy, Mrs. Prime Minister, her team, all conscientious representatives of the Italian political community and every family in Italy for their sincere desire to restore peace and security for our country and the whole of Europe together with Ukraine.

"Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, we have been receiving principled assistance and support from Italy at all levels. Both defense and political, humanitarian, economic, and support for our energy system. Rome played a significant role in resolving the issue of Ukraine's EU candidate status. We are grateful to Italy for this," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

During the talks in Kyiv, the parties discussed all key aspects of the Ukrainian-Italian partnership at the bilateral level, and the level of European and international institutions. The issues of Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration were discussed in detail.

The parties also focused on cooperation between Ukraine and Italy in defense and security.

"I thank Italy for the new defense support package for Ukraine and our warriors. It is extremely important. Especially now, when the Russian occupiers are trying to restore their aggressive potential. All the defense equipment for Ukraine provided by Italy, including air defense, is what really saves the lives of our people, our families, our children and gives security to our cities," the President of Ukraine said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Giorgia Meloni also discussed new sanctions against Russia.

"As long as this aggression continues, the sanctions of the free world must be constantly strengthened to prevent Russia from adapting to the pressure," the Head of State noted.

In addition, the President informed the head of the Italian government in detail about the Ukrainian Peace Formula and how Italy could join the implementation of this peace initiative.

"The terrorist state has not yet recognized the need to stop the aggression. As we can see, Russia has been reacting to the Peace Formula with missile strikes and further offensive attempts. But this does not mean that peace has no chance. It means that the international community must work with maximum energy to implement the Peace Formula that will lead to the full restoration of international law and order, restore the full force of the UN Charter, ensure the liberation of our land from Russian terror and guarantee security not only for us, but also for the whole of Europe," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The President thanked Giorgia Meloni for visiting the cities of the Kyiv region that suffered from the occupation in the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion and for Italy's readiness to join the reconstruction of Ukraine and restoration of normal life for Ukrainian citizens.

"Mrs. Prime Minister saw with her own eyes what the presence of the Russian flag on the land of another nation means. She saw how Russia destroys people's lives," the Head of State noted.

"We welcomed the intention of the Italian side to organize a conference in Rome on the recovery of Ukraine with the participation of Italian enterprises, business, which can become an important element of support for our country and stability in Europe," he added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also emphasized the importance of Italy's recognition of the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

"Mrs. Prime Minister informed me that the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Italian Parliament voted in favor of this important decision yesterday. And we expect that the relevant resolution will be supported by the Italian Parliament in the nearest future," the President noted.

For her part, the President of the Council of Ministers expressed support for Ukraine, which is resisting full-scale Russian aggression. Giorgia Meloni emphasized that Italy would continue to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance.

She noted that the fate of Europe and Western democracies depends on Ukraine's victory.

"The struggle waged by the Ukrainian people is the struggle of each of us, so it is important for us to make a contribution," the Italian Prime Minister emphasized.

The Prime Minister noted that Italy continues to provide military support to Ukraine so that the Ukrainian people can defend their country.

She also noted the importance of the Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to Giorgia Meloni, a conference on the recovery of Ukraine will be held in Italy in April, during which Italian companies will give recommendations on how to restore the destroyed infrastructure.

The head of the Italian government emphasized that her country supports Ukraine's European integration aspirations.

Giorgia Meloni also noted the importance of the Italian Parliament's consideration of the decision to recognize the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people.