Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva met with Chairman of the Interparliamentary Relations Group with Ukraine in the Italian Parliament Ugo Cappellacci and Member of the Foreign Affairs Commission Matteo Perego di Cremnago.
Ihor Zhovkva thanked the leadership of the Italian Republic, parliamentarians and the entire Italian people for their clear and unequivocal support for Ukraine after the beginning of Russia's armed aggression, which was shown not only by political statements, but also by concrete actions, including significant assistance.
"We appreciate the care and support that Italy has provided to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the aggressor's invasion," said Ihor Zhovkva.
Ugo Cappellacci reaffirmed that Italy would continue to support Ukrainians in their defense of their country and European democracy in general. The parliamentary delegation was greatly shocked by the terrible consequences of the war in the city of Bucha, which the parliamentarians visited.
Ihor Zhovkva informed his interlocutors about the President's initiative of patronage over the affected Ukrainian cities and regions. In this regard, it was noted that the Italian government is considering the possibility of joining the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The Deputy Head of the Office of the President expressed expectation that Italy would clearly support the sixth package of EU sanctions, primarily on the oil embargo and the disconnection of all Russian banks from SWIFT. The parliamentarians said that Italy continues to actively seek and establish alternative ways to supply energy to the country to strengthen its energy independence.
Recent European integration steps of Ukraine were also discussed during the meeting. "Ukraine has promptly completed its part of the job to obtain the status of a candidate for EU membership, now the ball is in the court of the European Union," said Ihor Zhovkva.
The participants agreed that the unanimous position of the EU member states on granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country for accession to the European Union in June 2022 would be an important symbolic and political step in recognizing the European prospects of the Ukrainian people.