Madame President,
Italy fully aligns itself with the statements delivered by the European Union and would like to add some considerations in its national capacity.
We are convened today after the most recent, brutal, Russian attacks in Ukraine, a clear, further, breach of international law. This demonstrates once again the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, as a precondition to launch meaningful negotiations for peace. Only a diplomatic solution to the conflict, based on the UN Charter and international law, with the full involvement of Ukraine and Europe can lead to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. We firmly believe that the full implementation of these principles is not only in the interest of Ukraine and Europe, but of the entire UN membership and, above all, is in the interest of the innocent civilians who are the main victims of a war they did not ask for.
We welcome all efforts towards achieving such a peace, including last week exchange of prisoners. Ukraine has demonstrated its willingness to pursue peace with a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire and high-level negotiations; the focus of the international community is now on what steps are necessary to bring Russia to the negotiating table, with the real political will to end the war.
As we said many times, we are not at war with Russia and the Russian people. We are against, we are opposing an ill-considered and unprovoked decision to invade a sovereign country.
Unwavering support for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine has been a priority for Italy since the beginning of the conflict. While strongly backing the European Union initiatives, Italy is contributing in particular to ensure Ukraine’s resilience and intends to play an active role in the social and economic recovery of the Country, as well as its reconstruction. We will host on July 10 and 11 in Rome the Ukraine Recovery Conference focused on four key thematic pillars: Business, Human, Regional and EU Dimension. Together we will lay the foundations for a prosperous independent Ukraine within our common European family.
I Thank you.
