Italy has been, is, and will remain by Ukraine’s side in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and a European future, stated the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine during a reception marking the 80th anniversary of Italy’s independence.
The event took place in Kyiv at the Parkovy Exhibition and Convention Center and was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian government, the diplomatic corps, the Italian community, the business sector, and embassy partners.
At the beginning of his speech, the ambassador called on those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in a war they did not choose.
The diplomat recalled that 80 years ago, Italians were emerging from fascism, war, and occupation and had to answer a fundamental question: what kind of country they wanted to be after what they had endured.
“They understood in the most concrete way what is lost when freedom is taken away. And it was from this understanding, not from an abstract idea, that our Republic was born,” said the ambassador.
He emphasized that the Italian Constitution rejects war, and in 1946, women voted for the first time—not as a concession, but as a fundamental act in the creation of a new state.
“For Italians in 1946, freedom was not a gift—it was an achievement won at the cost of sacrifice,” the diplomat noted.
According to him, today’s Ukraine reminds Italy of its own historical experience.
“Like our grandfathers and fathers, you are going through a moment when freedom ceases to be just a word and becomes a choice. A daily, concrete, and costly choice. A choice that is reaffirmed day after day, under bombs, with a sense of dignity that those who are not here can hardly even imagine,” the ambassador said.
He emphasized that Ukraine is defending not only itself but also principles that are important for all of Europe.
“Ukraine is not only defending itself; it is fighting for what concerns us all: for the principle that brute force cannot be an argument. For the fact that sovereignty is not up for debate. For the fact that a people has the right to choose its own future,” the diplomat stated.
The ambassador emphasized that these very principles form the foundation of the Italian Republic, which is why Italy has supported Ukraine from the very first day of Russian aggression.
“Italy has stood by you from the very first day of Russian aggression—not out of generosity, but out of consistency and deep commitment to our values,” he said.
The diplomat assured that Italy will continue to support Ukraine on the political, economic, military, and humanitarian levels, and will also make efforts to ensure that Ukraine takes its rightful place in the European Union.
He thanked Ukrainian partners for their cooperation and friendship, the Italian community in Ukraine for representing Italy with dignity, Italian government officials in Ukraine for their work, and the sponsors who made the celebrations possible.
The ambassador also noted that in the evening, the Independence Monument on Independence Square in Kyiv is illuminated in the colors of the Italian tricolor.
“That column, reminiscent of the columns the ancient Romans erected in memory of great feats, is illuminated tonight in our colors. As a sign of great respect, but above all as a recognition of the deep commonality of our values,” he said.
The diplomat dedicated a separate part of his speech to Leon Ginzburg, who was born in Odesa and became one of the most prominent intellectuals of anti-fascist Italy.
“In one person, he was both Ukrainian and Italian. In one person, he embodied everything we are talking about tonight,” the ambassador noted.
He quoted Ginzburg’s words: “You have your wings. I don’t know exactly how big they are, but you have them. Try to take flight. You won’t fall. And even if you do fall, you will learn to fly as you fall.”
“Ukraine has already spread its wings. The world knows this. Italy is and will remain by its side as Ukraine flies toward the peaceful and prosperous future it deserves,” the ambassador said.
Italy recognized Ukraine’s independence on December 28, 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on January 29, 1992. According to the Italian Embassy, the Italian Embassy in Kyiv was opened that same year, and since the early 2000s has been located on Yaroslaviv Val Street. The Embassy of Ukraine in the Italian Republic was established in Rome in 1993.
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