Dear Giorgia,
Dear journalists,
Dear Italy,
Thank you for this visit and for your unwavering support for all of us, for Ukraine and Ukrainians. I especially want to thank you for the respect shown to our state, to our independence, to our territorial integrity, and, first of all, to our people. Respect is just as important as security. In my view, when people and states are respected, and when security is guaranteed, there can be truly dignified relations and truly normal life. This is exactly how we work together with Italy, and I am grateful to you, Giorgia, for such relations, and, of course, for the dialogue we have built between us and between our peoples. We work together with Italy and with partners to guarantee security in every sense of the word and to ensure that relations between us are always friendly and meaningful.
In the very first days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Italy made a clear value-based choice – in favor of life, in favor of our defense. I am grateful for all the assistance from Italy to Ukraine and Ukrainians – political, security, economic, and humanitarian. Let us not forget this winter – it was very difficult. Thank you, Giorgia, for the energy support. We thank you for your leadership, which helps us and Europe as a whole navigate this time of crisis, and for your personal efforts to protect European interests.
I informed Giorgia today about the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. Sadly, even on Easter, Russia continued assaults on the front. And Russian air strikes persist – hundreds of “shaheds” almost every day, alongside missile attacks. Right now, “shaheds” are once again filling Ukraine’s skies – it’s another massive attack. Therefore, the task of securing additional air defense remains our foremost priority. We discussed this pressing need and the possibility of working together on air defense production. It is crucial to continue the necessary pressure on Russia because of this war. Sanctions against Russia, preventing the normalization of Russia in its current form, and ensuring sufficient support for Ukraine truly matter for peace. And today, we also addressed, in particular, the need to unblock the European support package for Ukraine worth €90 billion – this decision is necessary. We thank Italy for its support.
We also addressed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf against the backdrop of the war in Iran. We shared the outcomes of our talks with the leaders of the region and assessments of key positions. It is critical that after this war, there will be more security, not less, and that the interests of all nations are honored. What security will look like after this war is a global concern. And right now, all of us in Europe especially need to coordinate substantively – to safeguard both our interests and our way of life. No country is immune to the consequences of the war in Iran – everywhere the cost of living is rising, everyone feels it, and energy risks are increasing. This worsens social conditions and preparations for the next winter. Ukraine is already contributing to stabilizing the situation in that region – we are working with the relevant countries, teams, and leaders to protect against “shahed” attacks and to develop their defense. Ukraine proposes similar steps for Europe as well. We all need a modern and truly effective defense system capable of protecting against any threats. The war has changed, and now, without genuinely strong protection against every type of drone, no one can feel secure. Ukraine has developed a special format of security agreement, which we call the Drone Deal format. Our military expertise and defense capabilities in drones, missiles, electronic warfare, data sharing, and more. We propose combining all of this with our partners' capabilities. We will only make each other stronger. It is significant that Italy has shown interest in this format of cooperation. Giorgia and I agreed that our teams will work through the details of a Drone Deal between our countries. We are also working to increase engagement between our defense sectors, between our defense companies – this will certainly add strength, technology, and jobs to both our countries.
Of course, we discussed diplomacy – communication with the American side, which is not easy for anyone at the moment, as well as communication at the European level and with other partners around the world. Our new joint achievements will follow. I am very grateful for this dialogue, for this visit. Grazie, Italia!
Glory to Ukraine!
