PRESS RELEASE: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Minister of Defense of Italy [September 2022]

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

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic Lorenzo Guerini who arrived in our country.

At the beginning of the conversation, the Head of State expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, his government and the entire Italian people for their constant support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, its struggle for its existence, as well as for the shelter and sensitive attitude towards the temporarily displaced Ukrainians. Italy’s leading role in granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership was noted.

“Despite domestic political issues, the situation in Ukraine remains very important for Italy,” the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the interlocutor about the state of affairs at the front and emphasized that strengthening the Armed Forces is a vital priority for Ukraine today.

Separately, the parties focused on the need to continue sanction pressure on the Russian Federation.

Lorenzo Guerini conveyed to Volodymyr Zelenskyy greetings from the President, the Prime Minister and the people of Italy.

The Minister of Defense of the Italian Republic said that he visited Irpin and Hostomel and saw with his own eyes the destruction caused by the Russians.

Lorenzo Guerini also expressed admiration for the heroism of Ukrainians with which they defended these and other cities of their country.