Premier Giorgia Meloni said Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed in his plan to bring Ukraine under his control on the first anniversary of Moscow's invasion of its neighbour on Friday.
"A year ago the Russian Federation shocked the world by invading Ukraine," said Meloni, who visited Ukraine this week to reiterate Italy's support for Kyiv to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"In the past it had carried out attacks on its neighbours and it had never stopped staking claims to what it calls it historic borders.
"But no one could have imagined such a serious act.
"Putin's aim was to make Ukraine capitulate and then turn his aspirations of expansionism to other bordering States, not just in Europe..
"That plan has failed.
"Moscow has had to measure up to the heroic reaction of a people ready to do everything to defend its freedom and to something that is stronger than missiles and tanks - the love for one's country.
"The Ukrainian people are paying a very high price. I saw that with my own eyes at Bucha and Irpin (this week) and I won't forget".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
