Mattarella: Ukrainian Security Is European Security
Italian President Sergio Mattarella reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome on Wednesday, stating that “Ukrainian security is European security,” The Gaze reports, citing Ansa.
Speaking at the Quirinale Palace, Mattarella said he hoped peace negotiations would begin soon, while stressing that “as the NATO summit declaration stated, Ukrainian security is identical to European security, against those who would return to a concept of predominance in relations between states, making us leap back almost a century.”
He also called for stricter measures to prevent private companies from circumventing sanctions.
President Zelenskyy described the talks as “good and important,” highlighting the “sincere friendship between our peoples.” He thanked Italy for supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for its assistance during the war.
The two leaders also discussed the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, Ukraine’s EU integration, and the need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy urged Italy to ratify the agreement on establishing a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression to ensure it can begin work as soon as possible.
Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for Italy’s role in organizing the International Conference on Ukraine’s Reconstruction, noting Italian businesses are interested in contributing.
Read more on The Gaze: Ukraine’s Reconstruction: A Test of Western Resolve and Domestic Reform