By supporting Ukraine, we defend international law - Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this at a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday, July 27, according to an Ukrinform correspondent

"After the Russian aggression against Ukraine, for all together we decided to defend the international law. And I'm proud that Italy, from the beginning, played its part in it. We did it simply because supporting Ukraine means defending the peaceful coexistence of people and states everywhere in the world," she said.

Biden, in turn, thanked Meloni for Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine.

"Italy and the United States are also standing strong with Ukraine. And I compliment you on your very strong support in defending against Russian atrocities. And that's what they are," Biden said.

After Russia's recent missile attack on Odesa, Meloni expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and said her country was ready to participate in the reconstruction of the Transfiguration Cathedral in the city and other treasures of Ukraine's cultural heritage.