A numerous Italian delegation of politicians arrived in Odessa to express solidarity on the day of the anniversary of Russian large/scale invasion. It was led by several representatives from the association Europa Radicale. Among them Marco Taradash, Igor Boni and the human rights activist Antonio Stango.
There were also the members of the Italian Parliament Benedetto della Vedova and Ivan Scalfarotto, and a delegation of Milan City Council composed by the Head Elena Buscemi and the council member Gianmaria Radice.
During an official meeting with Odessa Military Administration Head Serhii Lysak and Acting Mayor Igor Koval, the Italian delegation emphasised the importance of their visit as a demonstration of support and commitment to understanding the city’s pressing challenges amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Odessa’s leadership expressed gratitude to the people of Italy for their consistent support, noting that international solidarity remains vital for a community living and working under constant threat.
The ceremony in front of the famous Potemkin Stairs was joined by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno. Picierno confirmed that both the European Parliament and the Italian Republic continue to strengthen assistance to Ukraine, and that the Milan municipality will maintain its support for Ukrainian refugees.
To mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and at the initiative of Europa Radicale, the visit included a symbolic musical tribute on Primorsky Boulevard, featuring the Ukrainian national anthem, European anthem Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” and the Italian classic ’O Sole Mio.
