Italy appeals to International Criminal Court over Russian atrocities in Ukraine

That's according to ANSA, Ukrinform reports.

"Italy does not have the elements to assess whether a genocide is taking place in Ukraine but the atrocities are evident, like the children killed and the civilians killed," Di Maio said.

He added that Italy has already appealed to the International Criminal Court to assess the evidence of these Russian atrocities.

"I believe that Putin is not giving signals of peace when he says that they must complete operations [in Ukraine]. For this reason, we must continue with sanctions [against Russia]," Di Maio said.

He also expressed hope that Orthodox Easter could be an opportunity to persuade Russians to agree to a ceasefire.

"We are working on it because it is the only way to evacuate from eastern Ukraine, where the attacks are intensifying, send the civilians and children away from Russian bombs," he said.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying infrastructure and residential areas of Ukrainian cities, towns and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles.

The US, EU and other countries imposed sanctions against the aggressor country.

On March 16, the UN's International Court of Justice ordered Russia to immediately end its invasion of Ukraine.