(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 15 - Diplomacy offers the only way forward towards peace in the Ukraine crisis, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said after talks in Kiev with counterpart Dmitry Kuleba Tuesday.
    "The only way to be followed is that which leads to peace and stability," he said.
    "I am convinced that for the current crisis there is only a diplomatic solution that puts an end to the tensions and averts possible aggression.
    "Italy in liaison with its partners is focusing every effort on this solution. In these hours diplomacy must not stop, it is the only real peaceful arm to avert a conflict.
    "After today's talks in Kiev with the Ukrainian government I can state that there is room for a diplomatic solution, obviously such a solution must be agreed in a wider framework of European security. For this reason I will speak of this on Thursday in Moscow with my Russian counterpart (Sergey) Lavrov and in the coming days we will continue to consult with our European and Atlantic partners".
    Di Maio added that the Italian embassy in Kiev remained open and operational.
    Italy understands the threat posed by Russia to Ukraine and Kiev hopes it can persuade Moscow to resolve the situation peacefully, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said after the talks with Di Maio.
    "Let's hope Italy can convince Russia to resolve the situation in a peaceful way," he said.
    "When you are in difficulty you have a friend by your side and that's why I'm happy to see Luigi beside me today.
    "Italy understands that the situation threatens Europe and the Atlantic partners too". (ANSA).