Ukraine receiving assistance and support from Italy since invasion began – Zelensky

President Zelensky said this at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, we have been receiving principled assistance and support from Italy at all levels. Both defense and political, humanitarian, economic, and support for our energy system. Rome played a significant role in resolving the issue of Ukraine's EU candidate status. We are grateful to Italy for this," Zelensky said.

He also noted that Rome played a significant role in resolving the issue of Ukraine's EU candidate status. The President thanked Italy for the support.

According to him, during the talks in Kyiv, the parties discussed all key aspects of the Ukrainian-Italian partnership at the bilateral level, and the level of European and international institutions. The issues of Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration were discussed in detail.

The parties also focused on cooperation between Ukraine and Italy in defense and security.

“I thank Italy for the new defense support package for Ukraine and our warriors. It is extremely important. Especially now, when the Russian occupiers are trying to restore their aggressive potential,” Zelensky said.

According to him, all the defense equipment for Ukraine provided by Italy, including air defense, is what “really saves the lives of our people, our families, our children and gives security to our cities.”

Zelensky added that Ukraine and Italy are striving together to stop the Russian terror as soon as possible, “to stop this absolutely unprovoked and aggressive war of Russia against the people of Ukraine.”

As reported, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Ukraine on a visit on February 21.