Russia does not want peace and has not changed its plans regarding Ukraine – Shmyhal

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this during a joint statement to the press in Rome with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I want to emphasize that Russia started this war against Ukraine in order to destroy our state. Russia is not looking for peace and it has not changed its goals after more than a year since the invasion. To restore lasting peace and justice in Eure, Ukraine must liberate all its occupied territories," Shmyhal said.

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He noted that he had already discussed with the Italian leadership in Rome relevant areas of coeration, in particular in the financial, defense and sanctions spheres, the implementation of President Vodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula and plans for the reconstruction of Ukraine, as well as Italy's support for Eurean integration, and in the future – Ukraine’s accession to NATO.

The Ukrainian Prime Minister thanked Italy for participating in the bilateral conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine. He said he is convinced that this event will be extremely important for Ukraine.

"As part of the visit of the Ukrainian delegation, a number of memoranda and agreements will be signed between Ukraine and Italy, which will strengthen our relations and coeration," added Shmyhal.

As Ukrinform reported, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal arrived in Italy on Wednesday, April 26. In Rome, he takes part in a bilateral conference on the restoration of Ukraine.