Italy has shown and will continue to show a constant and convinced support for Ukraine, Premier Giorgia Meloni’s office at Palazzo Chigi in Rome said on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour on Tuesday, when Meloni was set to take part via video link in the latest meeting of the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing for Kyiv.

“On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s unjustified and brutal aggression against Ukraine, the Italian government renews its solidarity and closeness to the Ukrainian institutions and people,” said a statement from the office.

“In these four years of the Ukrainian people’s struggle to defend their freedom and independence,” Palazzo Chigi said, “Italy has always assured its constant and convinced support, together with its European and Western allies.

“Italy,” the statement continues, “determinedly contributes to international efforts to promote a just and lasting peace.

“In this perspective, the Government supports and accompanies the negotiation process promoted by the United States and participates in the activities of the Coalition of the Willing to define solid security guarantees for Ukraine.”