Italy condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine

Italian PM Mario Draghi. Russian President Vladimir Putin

 ROME – The Italian government has unanimously condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while the Russian ambassador to Italy Sergey Razov was summoned by the foreign ministry Thursday morning to receive a dressing down, announced the secretary general Ettore Francesco Sequi.

 During the interview with the Russian envoy, Sequi expressed the Italian government’s strong condemnation for the attack that Moscow launched on Ukraine during the night. "It constitutes a clear and clear violation of international law,” reads a statement from the foreign ministry.

 President Sergio Mattarella was due to convene with the Supreme Defence Council at the Quirinale Palace at 4:30 p.m, political sources said.

 Italian Premier Mario Draghi called Russia’s action “unjustified and unjustifiable” and confirmed “we are working with European and NATO allies to respond immediately, with unity and determination."

 Italian Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini reiterated, “Italy strongly condemns the unjustifiable Russian decision and expresses support and solidarity with Ukraine and her people. The international community must respond in a firm and cohesive manner. We are discussing with our allies and we will provide our full support to the measures that we will decide together.”

 Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called the Russian military operation a violation of international law and “a very serious and unjustified aggression, which Italy strongly condemns. Italy stands alongside the Ukrainian people, together with the EU and Atlantic partners.” 

 Democratic Party leader Enrico Letta said, "Italy must unambiguously condemn the attack on Ukraine and, together with its allies, react to this unprecedented challenge to the principles of freedom and democracy in Europe,” while national coordinator of Forza Italia and vice-president of the European People's Party, Antonio Tajani said, "we strongly condemn the Russian military aggression we are witnessing with great concern. We support the unity of the West in the face of this umpteenth violation of the United Nations Charter.”

 The Northern League also denounced the military aggression, expressing hope for an immediate stop to violence, while Brothers of Italia leader Giorgia Meloni wrote on Facebook, “Europe has fallen back into a past that we hoped never to relive again. The West and the international community are united in bringing about every useful measure in support of Kiev and respect for international law.”

 Loredana De Petris, the leader of the Free and Equal party said, “the attack, unleashed when there was still room for action for diplomacy, is very serious. The international community must respond with the utmost firmness by defending the freedom and independence of Ukraine, but at the same time we must continue strenuously to take every road to stop the escalation and silence the weapons. Not even in such a tragic moment do we have to surrender to the ferocious logic of war.”

 Leader of Italia Viva Matteo Renzi said, "The Russian attack in Ukraine is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with the victims of this absurd war and to the families who are mourning their loved ones. Italy will as always be at the side of Europe and the United States in the name of freedom and values."

  On Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed for believers to fast "for peace in Ukraine" on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on March 2. "I have a great pain in my heart for the worsening of the situation in Ukraine,” said the pope, just hours before Russia invaded. “Despite the diplomatic efforts of recent weeks, increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up. And like me, many people are experiencing anguish and concern.” Francis appealed to "those who have political responsibilities" to "make a serious examination of conscience before God.”

 "Once again," said the pontiff, "the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests."

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