“Russia must put an end to its illegal occupation, its brutal attacks on unarmed civilians”, said the former European central banker, who resigned last month and is set to be replaced in the September 25 general elections in Italy.
“Italy will continue to support Ukraine. We are with you in your struggle to resist the Russian invasion, to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity, to protect your democracy and independence”.
Draghi added that the fight for Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, was part of the fight for Ukraine.
“Italy unwaveringly supports this initiative and Ukraine,” he told the conference. “Italy has always condemned the occupation of Crimea and we are concerned about the deterioration of human rights in the peninsula, and about the injustices towards the Tartar community: the struggle for Crimea is part of the struggle to free Ukraine”.
Draghi went on: “on the second anniversary of the international platform for Crimea, I wish to express Italy’s firm support for this initiative and for Ukraine. The occupation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in March 2014 was an unacceptable act of aggression, a clear violation of international law. Italy has consistently condemned the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the gradual militarisation of the peninsula by Moscow.
“We are deeply concerned about the worsening of the human rights situation in the peninsula and we stand alongside Crimea’s Tartar community, against the violence and injustice which it suffering.”
Earlier on Tuesday, League leader Matteo Salvini said the EU should think about the fact that sanctions on Russia may be actually helping President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy, instead of weakening them.
Democrat Party leader Enrico Letta said Italy and the West should be careful about sending any signals of concessions to Moscow.
