Italy backs the implemention of the international sanctions against Russia to obtain a ceasefire in its month-old war in Ukraine and all-out diplomatic efforts towards an end to the conflict, foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said on Friday, according to a foreign ministry statement.
“Our goal is to pursue all efforts aimed at achieving a diplomatic, shared and sustainable solution for peace in Ukraine," Di Maio told his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba during phone talks, the statement said.
During the phone talks, Di Maio reasserted Italy's "firm condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine," the statement said.
The Italian government is committed to implementing tough sanctions against Russia agreed with partners and allies to induce the Russian government to immediately cease hostilities, Di Maio told Kuleba.
As the humanitarian situation in war-ravaged Ukraine worsens, Italy is also committed to providing financial and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people, Di Maio underlined to Kuleba.
Di Maio assured Kuleba "of Italy’s availability and proactive contribution to support the ongoing talks between Kyiv and Moscow and to achieve a diplomatic solution of the crisis," the statement concluded.
