Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi called on Thursday for an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine so that serious negotiations can begin to end the war that began with Russia's invasion almost three months ago.
"A ceasefire must be achieved as soon as possible," Draghi told the upper house Senate in Rome, opening a debate on Italy's role in supporting Ukraine which is creating growing tensions in the premier's ruling majority.
Draghi said it was important to maintain pressure on Russia through economic sanctions "because we have to bring Moscow to the negotiating table."
(writing by Gavin Jones, editing by Angelo Amante)
