The historic Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration was also destroyed, the Italian government said on Sunday.
“The attacks in Odesa, the death of innocent people, the destruction of the Transfiguration Cathedral, wound us deeply,” Palazzo Chigi said in a statement.
“The Russian aggressors demolish granaries, depriving millions of hungry people of food.
“They destroy our European civilisation, its sacred symbols.
“A free people will not be intimidated, barbarism will not prevail.
“Italy, with its unique expertise in restoration, is ready to engage in the reconstruction of Odesa Cathedral and other treasures of Ukraine’s artistic heritage,” the statement concluded.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Sunday described the destruction of Odesa’s Transfiguration Cathedral as a “shameful act” and said Italy would be in the front line for reconstruction.
“The Russian bombing of Odessa has destroyed part of the Transfiguration Cathedral, an undignified act,” Tajani tweeted.
“Italy, after supporting Odesa to become a Unesco heritage site, will be in the front line for the reconstruction of the city,” he added.
Russia recently pulled out of a UN-Turkey brokered agreement allowing Ukraine to export its grain through the Black Sea during the war caused by Moscow’s invasion.
As a result, the have since begun an intense bombing campaign against Odesa city, granaries, agricultural enterprises and seaports.
ANSA
