As part of international diplomatic efforts, Italy is "working determinedly" towards a ceasefire in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Italy's premier Mario Draghi said on Wednesday.
"In the face of the horrors of war, Italy is working determinedly for a ceasefire, together with the entire international community," Draghi told lawmakers in a briefing ahead of Thursday's European Council summit.
"Together with our European partners, we are committed to achieving local humanitarian ceasefires to organised evacuations and to bring in essential goods," Draghi added.
Italy fully supports the position of the European Commission and will continue to do so "with determination, altruism and solidarity", Draghi stated.
The cabinet last week approved 428 million euros of funds to assist Ukrainian refugees from the conflict who are being hosted in Italy, he noted.
The number of Ukrainian refugees who are being hosted in Italy is now around 70,000, according to Ukraine's ambassador.
