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.
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