Gennadiy Trukhanov, the Mayor of Odesa, met with Carlo Formosa, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Ukraine.

During the meeting, the mayor expressed gratitude to the ambassador for his support in facilitating the participation of Ukrainian veterans in the Venice Regatta and discussed the development of rehabilitation services in Odesa, particularly in adaptive sports.

The parties addressed Italy's assistance to Ukraine and the restoration of Odesa region. Specifically, they talked about implementing a grant agreement signed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome. Under this agreement, the Italian government will provide Ukraine with €32.5 million in non-repayable aid for the restoration of six iconic landmarks in Odesa, including the Art Museum, Philharmonic Hall, Literary Museum, Marriage Palace, and the Zontag House on Primorsky Boulevard.

The Zontag House is set to become the UNESCO Heritage Management Center, a coordination and resource hub for preserving the cultural heritage of our city.

Italy supports Odesa not only financially but also through expert collaboration: a joint working group with specialists from the Roman Superintendency has been established, educational programs for restoration have begun, and a sustainable heritage management project is underway.

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.