Meloni's visit to Kyiv is 'strong signal' -Ukraine envoy

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 21 - Ukrainian Ambassador to Italy Yaroslav Melnyk told ANSA on Tuesday that Premier Giorgia Meloni's visit to Kyiv was "another strong symbol of support for Ukraine.
    "Italy is giving us strong support in our path towards joining the EU," Melnyk said in an interview.
    "I appreciate Rome's leadership on this a great deal.
    "It is very important for our position during the war.
    "We are also counting on Italy's support for our application to join NATO with an accelerated procedure".
    Meloni's visit comes after furore over comments critical of Zelensky by ex-premier and Forza Italia leader Silvio Berlusconi, one of her alliance partners.
    "Ukraine appreciates the prompt response of Premier Giorgia Meloni, who reiterated the Italian government's unshakable support for Ukraine after Berlusconi's unacceptable statements," Melnyk said. (ANSA).