Strengthening Ties Between Ukraine and Italy
The Mayor of Odesa, Gennady Trukhanov, met with the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa.
During the meeting, the mayor expressed gratitude for the support in organizing the participation of Ukrainian veterans in the Venice regatta and shared insights on the development of rehabilitation services in Odessa, particularly in adaptive sports.
The parties discussed Italy's assistance to Ukraine and the restoration of the Odesa region. Specifically, they talked about a grant agreement signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome. Under this agreement, the Italian government is providing Ukraine with 32.5 million euros for the restoration of six significant landmarks in Odesa, including the Art Museum, Philharmonic Hall, Literary Museum, Marriage Palace, and the Zontag House on the Primorsky Boulevard.
Plans are underway to establish a UNESCO Heritage Management Center in the Zontag House, which will serve as a coordinating and resource center for preserving the cultural heritage of the city.
Italy supports Odesa not only financially but also with expertise: a joint working group has been formed with specialists from the Roman Superintendency, educational programs on restoration have been initiated, as well as a project for sustainable heritage management.
Additionally, the Italian delegation arrived in Odesa to congratulate the winners of the First International Opera Singers Competition RECITAR CANTANDO, which was held with the support of the Italian Embassy in Ukraine. The gala concert will take place today on the legendary stage of the Odesa National Opera.
