Zelensky thanks Draghi, hopes Italy will continue to support Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Mario Draghi, who resigned as Italy's prime minister, for supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and expressed hope that Italy would continue to support Ukrainians.

The head of state wrote this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

"Sincerely grateful to Mario Draghi for unwavering support to Ukraine in fighting against Russian aggression & defending common European values - democracy & freedom. We'll keep working to boost Ukrainian-Italian cooperation. I'm convinced that the active support of the Italian people for Ukraine will continue!" Zelensky said.

Draghi tendered his resignation for the second time amid lack of support from the coalition parties.

Draghi already offered his resignation last week after one of his partners, the Five Star Movement, failed to support him in a confidence vote on July 14. President Sergio Mattarella then rejected Draghi's resignation.

On July 20, the upper house of the Italian parliament (Senate) expressed confidence in Prime Minister Draghi, but some coalition members abstained from the vote, thus demonstrating the lack of unity.