Italian premier says ‘this land (Ukraine) is part of our home’

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Saturday that they consider Ukraine a part of their own home and will defend it.

On the 2nd anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Meloni visited Kyiv on Saturday morning with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

They were hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and visited Antonov Airport in Hostomel, one of the places attacked by Russia in the first hours of the war.

While the leaders made a press statement, Meloni said the resistance of the Ukrainian people changed the course of history.

"This is a symbol of Moscow's failure and Ukraine's pride. It is a reminder that there is something stronger than missiles, bombs, and hunger, and that is love for one's land and freedom,” she said.

Meloni said they were in Kyiv to thank the men and women who did not flee two years ago but fought, noting: "Ukrainians defended their loved ones, so they defended us. This land is part of our home and we are here today to say that we will do our best to defend it."

"It has been 730 days. For 730 days, Ukrainians remind us what it means to believe in the freedom of man."

Meloni, who will hold the G7 Presidency for 2024, will hold the first leaders' meeting of the presidency via video conference in Ukraine on the 2nd anniversary of the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend the meeting of the G7 leaders.

*Writing by Zeynep Cetin in Istanbul