Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Benedetto Della Vedova, took the floor during the special summit of the OSCE Permanent Council, convened by Poland’s rotating presidency to address the Ukrainian crisis. Mr Della Vedova spoke on behalf of Minister Di Maio, who was attending the meeting of the Supreme Council of Defence.
“Italy condemns Russia’s unjustified and unjustifiable attack on Ukraine. There is no room, in the 21st century, for the use of such coercion and force” the Undersecretary said, stressing that “Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military actions are putting at stake the lives of countless civilians, are a serious violation of international law, of the United Nations Charter and of OSCE commitments and undermine stability and security in Europe and in the world”.
“Regrettably,” he added, “despite the tireless international efforts and the repeated calls to pursue the path of diplomacy, Russia has chosen to wage way against a sovereign and independent state”.
“Italy asks Russia to immediately cease its military actions, withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence”, Mr Della Vedova concluded, “Italy reasserts its firm support to the full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders and stands by the Ukrainian people and institutions in this dramatic moment”.
