Ukraine's PM, Italy's president discuss sanctions against Russia's nuclear industry

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Italian President Sergio Mattarella at a meeting in Rome discussed current areas of cooperation in the financial and defense spheres, sanctions against Russia's nuclear industry and the work of the Grain from Ukraine initiative.

That's according to the Ukrainian government website, Ukrinform reports.

"The parties also raised the issue of sanctions against Russia's nuclear industry and the work of the Grain from Ukraine grain initiative. Denys Shmyhal thanked Italy for supporting Ukraine's European aspirations and expressed hope that Italy would also support Ukraine's accession to NATO," the report reads.

Shmyhal once again thanked Italy for its military assistance to Ukraine's security and defense forces, particularly for the sixth aid package that included critically needed air defense systems.

He emphasized that along with efforts aimed at ensuring quick and stable supplies of all necessary weapons and ammunition from Ukraine's partners, the government is also focusing on the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula.

"This initiative presents our vision of the necessary steps that will ensure a comprehensive, just and stable peace in Ukraine and security for the whole world," he said.

He also thanked the Italian side for its willingness to join the implementation of the Peace Formula.

Mattarella, in turn, noted that his country would continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Shmyhal arrived in Italy on Wednesday, April 26. In Rome, he will take part in a bilateral conference on the restoration of Ukraine and present its results together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

It is also expected that Pope Francis will receive Shmyhal on April 27, ahead of the pontiff's apostolic visit to Hungary.