Italian premier asks Russian president to end hostilities, civilian bombing in Ukraine

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said Thursday he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday to end hostilities and the bombing of civilians in Ukraine.

Draghi made the remarks before an unofficial EU leaders' summit in France -- the term president of the EU.

He said he had an opportunity to have a long meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron before the summit to discuss the consequences of the war for Europe and Italy.

Draghi said that they will discuss France's joint European bond proposal at the summit to reduce dependency on Russian gas and support economic efforts in terms of defense.

He noted that Italy and France are on the same page in that regard.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow and spurred an exodus of global companies from Russia.

At least 549 civilians have been killed and 957 injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.

More than 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.