Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky: “During our meeting, I informed the head of Italian government, Giorgia Meloni, about the battlefield situation and our needs for strengthening the protection of skies.
“We discussed defense cooperation and agreed that our teams will work out the specifics of a drone deal between our countries.
“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 in a substantive way – to safeguard both our interests and our way of life.
“Thank you, Italy! Thank you, Giorgia Meloni, for the meeting and for your support. In the first days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Italy made a clear value-based choice – in favor of life, in favor of our defense.
“We feel this in every decision, in every expression of support and solidarity with our people. I am grateful for all the assistance to Ukraine.”