Italian Foreign Minister Paolo
Gentiloni on Thursday described as "very serious" the situation
in eastern Ukraine but ruled out supplying weapons to Kiev to
help put down the separatist rebellion there.
"Sending arms to Ukraine is not a solution that can involve
the European Union or Italy," Gentiloni said.
"The situation on the ground is very serious and leaves no
room for backtracking on sanctions against Russia," he added.
Gentiloni's comments came amid deepening conflict between
Kiev forces and pro-Russia rebels in the breakaway Donbas region
that on Wednesday prompted Pope Francis to appeal for an end to
"the war between Christians" in Ukraine.
Gentiloni said diplomatic efforts are currently aimed at
"forcing the separatists to end their aggressive behaviour" and
asking Russia to "exercise its influence" on the rebels, in
addition to reassuring NATO countries that feel threatened by
the violence through the use of air patrols.
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