The Mayor of Odesa, Gennady Trukhanov, met with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Ukraine, Carlo Formoza.

During the meeting, the mayor thanked the ambassador for his assistance in organizing the participation of Ukrainian veterans in the Venetian regatta and shared insights on the development of rehabilitation services in Odesa, particularly adaptive sports.

The parties discussed Italy's support for Ukraine and the restoration of the Odesa region. Specifically, they talked about the implementation of 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 in non-repayable aid for the restoration of six iconic landmarks in Odesa, including the Art Museum, Philharmonic, Literary Museum, Marriage Palace, and the Zontag House.

A UNESCO Heritage Management Center is planned to be established in the Zontag House, serving as a coordination and resource hub for preserving the cultural heritage of our city.

Italy supports Odesa not only financially but also with expertise: a joint working group has been established with specialists from the Roman Superintendency, educational programs for restoration have been initiated, and a sustainable heritage management project has commenced.

Additionally, the Italian delegation arrived in Odesa to congratulate the winners of the First International Opera Singers Competition RECITAR CANTANDO, held with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Ukraine. The gala concert will take place today on the legendary stage of the Odesa National Opera.