Minister Guerini met President Zelensky and his counterpart Oleksij Reznikov in Kiev

Kiev 22 September 2022

Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini today met President Volodymyr Zelensky and his counterpart, Minister Oleksij Reznikov in Kiev. The minister visited Ukraine to hold talks with the Ukrainian authorities, following their invitation. Guerini reiterated Italy’s support to the fight for Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty. “’Italy will continue to support Ukraine consistently with the mandate of the Italian Parliament”

Minister Guerini met President Zelensky and his counterpart Oleksij Reznikov in Kiev

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"Today, in Irpin’ and at Gostomel military airport, I was able to witness first-hand the damage caused to civilian structures by the Russian aggression. At the same time, I could feel in its entirety the spirit of a people who, while fighting for its own freedom, that it will never relinquish, is indirectly safeguarding everybody’s freedom, Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini stated today in　Kiev.

Minister Guerini visited Ukraine following an invitation by the Ukrainian authorities, to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky　and Minister Oleksij Reznikov. Guerini reiterated Italy’s full support for Ukraine, underscoring the role assumed by our country since the very beginning of the conflict, within the framework of the international effort aimed to reestablish Kiev’s wounded sovereignty.

"I was really struck by what President Zelensky said during our meeting. I underscored how Italy, despite problems caused by the energy crisis and the ensuing economic problems, kept a straight course as regards sanctions against Russia and our firm commitment for Ukraine. Il President Zelensky thanked the Italian people for the sacrifice they too are making to defend the Ukraine’s freedom", the minister said after his meeting with the president. "Italy has been supporting Kiev’s efforts to defend the country from the very beginning: starting from March I have signed 4 decrees onhe donation of material and defence systems, based on requirements illustrated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. I signed the last decree in July. We want to pursue the Italian Parliament mandate consistently", Guerini said.

The meeting with Minister Reznikov focused on training activities in favour of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, also in view of a possible EU training mission. Minister Guerini also declared Italy’s availability to provide humanitarian assistance in the medical sector. Furthermore, he reiterated the need to start a concrete peace process, beginning from a ceasefire.

"We are sure that the path we have undertaken, i.e. the joint use of political and economic sanctions and military aid, is the only possible one for Putin to understand that no military victory is possible, and that we can only try to achieve an equitable peace. A peace that will reestablish the rights they have breached".

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