Andrea Abodi, Minister of Sports and Youth of the Italian Republic, paid an official visit to Lviv accompanied by Carlo Formosa, the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, during which he signed a joint action plan for 2026–2027 in the fields of youth and sports with his Ukrainian counterpart Matviy Bedny.
“ “I am here to express, on behalf of the entire government, my respect and solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are suffering from an unjustified aggressive war that has been bringing death and destruction for four years now; a people to whom we are providing and will continue to provide support,” Abodi stated.
According to him, the contribution to Ukraine’s recovery must begin with the youth.
“The contribution to a new Ukraine must begin with the youth—the present and future of the country, which is unwaveringly focused on recovery. Youth policy, financial transparency in sports, training of specialists and research, as well as the restoration of sports infrastructure will be the first concrete steps in implementing the action plan,” the minister emphasized.
During the visit, both ministers paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Heroes’ Memorial.
In addition, the Casa Italia cultural and sports center was opened in Lviv—a space created with the assistance of the Italian Association of Culture and Sport (AiCS) to support children orphaned by the war by engaging them in physical activity and creativity.
The Italian and Ukrainian delegations also met with players from the “Pokrova AMP” amputee soccer club, emphasizing the importance of veteran sports as a tool for physical and psychosocial rehabilitation.
“Minister Abodi’s visit clearly confirms that Italy stands with Ukraine: this is a partnership that strengthens new generations and brings Ukraine closer to European standards, where sport is the foundation of a strong and healthy nation,” Ambassador Formosa concluded.
