Meloni meets Zelensky, says Ukraine can't be abandoned

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 7 - Premier Giorgia Meloni had a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the European House-Ambrosetti (TEHA) Forum at Cernobbio on Lake Como on Saturday and she reiterated Italy's committing to supporting Kyiv as it battles against the Russian forces of invasion.
    Meloni told reporters afterwards that the 40-minute meeting went well.
    "If the rules of international law are discarded, crises and chaos will multiply," Meloni subsequently told the forum.
    "I have said this to my Chinese counterparts too.
    "The only thing that cannot be done is to abandon Ukraine to its fate.
    "This is the choice that Italy had made and which will not change".
    Meloni's office said in a statement that the leaders discussed the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine's most urgent needs ahead of winter and in the face of continuing Russian attacks against the civilian population and critical infrastructure.
    It said the premier "reiterated that support for Ukraine is a top priority on the Italian G7 Presidency's agenda and reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's legitimate defence and to a just and lasting peace".
    It said they also addressed the issue of reconstruction ahead of the next Ukraine Recovery Conference which will be held in Italy in 2025.
    Italy has staunchly supported Ukraine since the invasion but has said Kyiv must not use its military aid beyond Ukrainian soil.
    "I thank Georgia Meloni and the Italian people for their support and joint work to restore a just peace," Zelensky, who addressed the TEHA Forum on Friday, posted on Telegram on Saturday.
    (ANSA).