“The head of state thanked the government and people of Italy for the military support of Ukraine, as well as for the country’s efforts within the framework of the G7 presidency, in particular regarding the strengthening of sanctions against the aggressor state.”, — write: www.president.gov.ua
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi met with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crozetto, who is in Ukraine on a visit.
The head of state thanked the government and people of Italy for the military support of Ukraine, as well as for the country’s efforts within the framework of the G7 presidency, in particular regarding the strengthening of sanctions against the aggressor state.
Separately, the President noted the approval of the 10th package of military aid and Italy’s participation in coalitions within the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Rammstein format.
“I also want to thank you, Mr. Minister, and all Italians for the decision regarding the 10th support package. Without the support of society, it would be very difficult for you to help Ukraine. We are very grateful that there is such a mood. I saw it during meetings with the Prime Minister and the President. And on the streets of Rome, we always see Italian flags and Ukrainian flags next to them. We understand that there is such a mood. People help us a lot and believe in a peaceful Ukraine, and we are all working on it,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.
During the meeting, defense support to Ukraine was discussed, in particular strengthening of air defense, training of Ukrainian soldiers and technical personnel in Italy, as well as strengthening of cooperation between defense companies, joint production and its localization in Ukraine. The head of state noted that it is important to invest in the Ukrainian defense industry, primarily in the production of drones.
A separate topic of conversation is security guarantees for Ukraine. The President emphasized that the most effective of such guarantees is Ukraine’s membership in NATO. After all, this step can pave the way for the establishment of a just and lasting peace for the whole of Europe.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Guido Crozetto discussed preparations for the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which will be held on July 10-11 in Rome. The head of state invited representatives of the Italian defense industry to take part in it.
The Minister of Defense of Italy noted that his country will continue to support Ukrainians in the struggle for Ukraine, freedom and international law.
“I came to talk about the 11th package, as the 10th has already been approved. And as we said, now is the moment, perhaps the most important moment in the last three years, to increase support. I said this to you at meetings within NATO and the EU, and I repeat it today. And I will come home with tasks to complete to move forward,” he said.
Guido Crozetto also said that during his visit he honored the memory of fallen defenders of Ukraine.
“For me it was not only a diplomatic duty. Looking at the photos of the dead, I got even more strength to do what we have to do, which is to support Ukraine in this war. And thank you so much for all you have done. And know that you can count on Italy, the Italian government and the Italian people,” the minister concluded.
