Italy's "strong support" for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and diplomacy with Russia to resolve the current crisis were the focus of phone talks on Tuesday between premier Mario Draghi and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
"The latest developments in the Ukraine crisis were at the centre of the talks," said a statement from Draghi's office.
During his phone call with Zelensky, Draghi "emphasised the Italian government's strong support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty," the statement went on.
"The importance of strengthening a shared commitment to a sustainable and lasting solution to the crisis was agreed, as well as keeping open a channel of dialogue with Moscow," the statement added.
Foreign minister Luigi Di Maio visited Kiev on Tuesday for talks with his Ukranian counterpart Dmitro Kuleba as part of Italy's "intense" diplomatic efforts towards de-escalating the current crisis, the statement noted.
Di Maio is also due to travel to Moscow on Thursday for talks with members of the Russian government.
