Italian PM: Moldova would have been attacked by Russia if Ukraine had not defended itself

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that Moldova would have been subjected to Russian aggression if the Ukrainians had not resisted and defended themselves.

She made the remarks in her opening speech at the summit of the European political community in Moldova, European Pravda reports.

According to her, Ukraine "defends our security and international law, without which tomorrow will not be safe for anyone."

"We welcome this event in Moldova, which is another country at risk of aggression if the Ukrainians do not defend themselves as they do and if we do not help them," Meloni stressed.

She also noted that "world leaders gathered at this summit to remind us that Europe is not just a club, it is not just rules or interests, it is something more, it is a civilization that was founded on the idea that people are free and equal, on ideas like solidarity and the rule of law."

"We are here to remind you that we will not allow these principles to be challenged or destroyed by those who think they can take us back to the worst years of the past," Meloni said.

Up to 47 heads of state, government and EU institutions are attending the summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Moldova on June 1, which brings together EU member states and 17 other European countries.