Premier Giorgia Meloni had telephone conversations on Thursday with United States President Donald Trump, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the war in Ukraine, her office said.

“Meloni discussed with her interlocutors the ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and for a negotiation process able to guarantee a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, also in light of the most recent diplomatic initiatives put forward by the United States,” the statement said.

“The call with the Emirati President also provided an opportunity to discuss the excellent cooperation in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“The need for an immediate cessation of hostilities was also reaffirmed, along with the need for the hostages being held by Hamas to be released, and for full, unhindered access for aid, in order to bring an end to the ongoing, unjustifiable humanitarian crisis in the Strip”.