Italy's has condemned Russia's
decision to recognise the independence of two breakaway
'republics' in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.
"The decision of the Russian authorities to recognize the
so-called separatist republics of Lughansk and Donetsk is to be
condemned as in violation to the Minsk agreements," Foreign
Minister Luigi Di Maio said in a statement..
"The decision represents a serious obstacle in the path towards
a diplomatic solution of the Ukrainian crisis.
"Italy continues to uphold the integrity and full sovereignty of
Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
"Italy appeals to all parties to return to the negotiating table
in the appropriate formats, in the belief that unilateral
initiatives are preventing the achievement of stability and
security in the region.
"Italy is in constant contact with European and Atlantic
partners to coordinate the response to the announcement by the
President of the Russian Federation".
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