President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Quirinal, reaffirming Italy's full support for Kiev. "It is a great pleasure to welcome you here again to confirm our country's friendship and staunch support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity", Mattarella stressed. The Head of State expressed Italy's "most intense and concrete closeness", praising the courage shown by the Ukrainian people, "Your behavior further strengthens our determination to support you without hesitation". Mattarella strongly condemned continued Russian attacks against civilians and infrastructure, calling them "cruel", and reiterated his commitment to seek every possible way to end the conflict. He also confirmed Italy's support for Kiev's European path, hoping for a quick start of EU accession negotiations. For his part, Zelensky warmly thanked Italy for its support: "We are grateful for this welcome and for your support for our sovereignty and our people. I thank President Mattarella, Prime Minister Meloni, and all Italians for clearly recognizing where the good and where the bad is in this war. This visit for us has a very special value".