Italy Condemns Russian Attacks on Ukraine on Independence Day

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani strongly condemned Russia's "continuous attacks" on Ukraine, reaffirming Italy's unwavering support for Kyiv on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day. During a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiga, Tajani stressed the critical role of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean in ensuring global food security and the uninterrupted export of Ukrainian grain.

Tajani highlighted the interconnectedness of maritime security, economic stability, energy flows, and food security. He expressed Italy's willingness to collaborate with Ukraine through initiatives like MED9+ for the Strait of Hormuz. The Italian minister reiterated the government's commitment, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to maintain maximum pressure on Moscow and to support Ukraine's security, reconstruction, and defense.

Furthermore, Tajani confirmed that Italy is preparing a new support package for Ukraine, which will complement the sanctions already imposed by the European Union. Since the beginning of the conflict, Italy has allocated approximately 3.2 billion euros towards Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts, according to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meloni is also scheduled to participate via video conference in a meeting known as the 'Coalition of the Volunteers' later in the day, underscoring Italy's continued engagement with international efforts to support Ukraine.