Italian, Israeli foreign ministers discuss initiatives to assist Ukrainians

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Italy and Israel’s foreign ministers spoke by phone Wednesday on initiatives to assist Ukrainians affected by Russia's war.

The Italian Foreign Ministry said Luigi Di Maio and Yair Lapid expressed their "firm condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and called for the cessation of hostilities."

Italy's commitment to supporting international mediation and appreciation of Israeli efforts as well as the importance of initiatives to assist the Ukrainian population and evacuation of those in need were among the topics discussed.

At least 516 civilians have been killed and 908 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched the war against its neighbor, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.

More than 2.1 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency.