Italy and Ukraine signed an agreement on the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was bombed by Russian invaders.
This was stated by Italy’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani before the start of the field meeting of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers in Kyiv on October 2, Ukrinform reports.
“Today, Italy signed an agreement on the restoration of the Odesa Cathedral. Italy will work on reconstruction,” he said.
According to Tajani, the best Italian architects will be involved in the restoration of the cathedral. “And this is a clear cultural and political message to Ukraine,” Tajani added.
He added that Italy seeks to support Ukraine and protect international law.
“Of course, we want to achieve peace, but it is impossible to achieve peace without justice. Justice is the freedom and independence of Ukraine,” the head of the Italian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
In the early hours of July 23, Russian troops launched a massive attack on Odesa. The invaders fired 19 missiles of various types. The strike affected Odesa’s historic center, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As a result of the attack, 25 architectural monuments were damaged, including the Savior and Transfiguration Cathedral.
In August, the Office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy planned to contribute to the reconstruction of the Odesa Cathedral.
It should be recalled that the Head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, recorded a video from the destroyed temple in Odesa.
