"Petro Poroshenko informed [Italian Prime Minister] on the deterioration of the security situation in Donbas. The parties coordinated positions on the eve of the today’s meeting in the 'G5 + Ukraine' format. The interlocutors agreed with the importance to preserve unity in supporting Ukraine today," the press service said in a statement published on the website.
The press service added that Renzi "reiterated Italy’s commitment to the issue of preservation of sanctions against Russia in case Russia doesn't fulfill the Minsk agreements."
Since 2014, relations between Russia and the European Union deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and over Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.
Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.
