On 11 July, as part of a working visit to Rome (Italian Republic), the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Olha Kuryshko, and the Advocacy Director of the ZMINA Human Rights Centre, Alyona Lunova, met with Giuliomaria Terzi Di Sant’Agata — Senator from the Fratelli d’Italia party and President of the Permanent Senate Commission of EU Affairs.

The meeting focused on a number of key issues of mutual interest for Ukraine and Italy. In particular, the participants discussed the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. Senator Terzi expressed strong interest in Ukraine’s position on this format of international justice and support for the initiative at the European level.

Special attention was given to the threats posed by Russian propaganda — both in Ukraine and across the European Union. In the context of Italy, this issue is particularly relevant given the growing number of documented cases of Russian information influence. The discussion also touched on the potential for engaging youth from various countries in initiatives aimed at countering disinformation and building resilience to external manipulation.

A third key topic was the unlawful detention of civilians in the temporarily occupied territories, particularly in Crimea. The Ukrainian side presented a mentorship initiative designed to involve European — including Italian — parliamentarians in publicly supporting journalists, civic activists, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar people who have faced persecution and imprisonment for their stance.

Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko and ZMINA’s Advocacy Director Alyona Lunova also held a meeting with Filippo Sensi, Member of the Democratic Party and the Human Rights Committee.

The discussion addressed the most pressing challenges Ukraine faces under Russian occupation, particularly the situation in temporarily occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian side emphasized the importance of public recognition and support for the civil resistance that persists despite ongoing repression by the occupation administration. Olha Kuryshko and Alyona Lunova spoke about the work of resistance movements such as Yellow Ribbon, Zla Mavka, and ATESH, underscoring that thousands of people in the occupied territories continue to actively support Ukraine at great personal risk to their freedom and lives.

It was also emphasized that the repression of the civilian population, along with the pervasive atmosphere of fear and persecution, must be clearly articulated in international political discourse. This is why it is crucial to secure the support of international partners — to ensure that the issue of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is never subject to political compromise.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our Italian colleagues for their unwavering support of Ukraine!