Italy moves embassy in Ukraine back to capital Kyiv

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Italy has moved its embassy in Ukraine from Lviv back to Kyiv and it has become operational, the Italian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

"The Italian tricolore is back to Kyiv where Amb. Zazo (Ambassador Pier Francesco Zazo) and his team reopened the Italian Embassy," the ministry said on Twitter.

Early March, Italy relocated its embassy in Kyiv to the western Lviv city after Russian forces edged closer to the capital.

The ministry also said Italy stands by Ukrainian institutions and reaffirms its commitment to assist Italian nationals, promote dialogue and support solutions towards peace and end of hostilities.

Images of Zazo's entrance to the embassy and the flag hoisting ceremony were reported by Italian media outlets.

On April 9, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said in a statement that the Italian Embassy in Lviv would return to Kyiv during the Easter holidays.