PRESS RELEASE : Italy’s defense and political support for Ukraine is an investment in our common free future – Andriy Yermak

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 22 June 2022.

Italy’s defense and political support for Ukraine is an investment in its own security and the common free future of both countries. This was stated by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak in an interview with the TV project Porta a Porta of the Italian TV channel Rai 1.

“We are very grateful to the Italians, to the Italian government, to all of you for what you are doing for Ukraine. We will never forget that. We are grateful for the weapons and the loud voice in support of granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership. But please understand: this is not a charity, but an investment in your own security, in our common peace, in our common free future,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the President’s Office noted that today the Russian aggressor is trying to occupy the entire territory of Ukraine, as happened with Crimea and part of Donbas.

Commenting on the impact of the war in Ukraine on the economic situation in Italy, Andriy Yermak stressed that today Ukrainians are giving their lives for the future of Europe.

“Sometimes you pay with money, and Ukrainians pay with their lives. And not just for themselves. One of the hits of the very popular Italian singer Mina has the following lines: Non cambi mai. These words can be addressed to Russia: “You never change.” So if they succeed in Ukraine now, Russia will not stop. And the Italians will have to pay more. And it will be good, if only with money,” Andriy Yermak said.

The Head of the President’s Office stressed that Ukraine will fight the Russian aggressor as long as it takes to win.

“We are not afraid of anyone, we are fighting for our country, for our land. We don’t need someone else’s property. We are fighting for what is ours,” Andriy Yermak said.

According to him, for more than three months Ukraine has been proving on the battlefield that the truth is on its side, and that is why the support for our country by European partners is very important today.

“If we receive all the support we have agreed upon and which was confirmed by our partners in time, our victory will be faster. And the risks for the whole of Europe that this war will engulf other countries will be reduced,” the Head of the President’s Office stressed.

Andriy Yermak noted the importance of the visits of European leaders to Ukraine, in particular the visit of the Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, which took place last week. According to the Head of the Office of the President, the Italian Prime Minister had an opportunity to see the consequences of the crimes of the Russian occupiers during his visit to the suburbs of Kyiv.

“There is only one way out (of the situation related to Russian aggression – ed.) – our victory. And our victory will be yours as well,” the Head of the President’s Office emphasized.

He noted that he has special respect for the history of Italy and the traditions of this country, so he delivered part of his speech on the air in Italian.

“I want to say that I have been to Italy many times, and each time it impressed me with something. Nature. Culture. History. People. But most of all – your sincerity and hospitality. And, probably, these features are what unite our peoples the most,” Andriy Yermak said.