NATO's role in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is proving decisive. And Italy is side by side with the Atlantic Alliance without hesitation. These are the opinions of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who met for the first time in person yesterday at Palazzo Chigi since the inauguration of the new Italian government. European security is in question – Stoltenberg explained in the statements that the two released at the end of the meeting - Putin is conducting a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, but we have seen how the Ukrainian armed forces have been able to repel the Russian forces and liberate the territory". It is clear, however, Stoltenberg adds, that "the unprecedented support that NATO's allies, including Italy, have provided, is making a difference on the battlefield every day." And in all, this "Italy plays a fundamental role" within the Atlantic Alliance, "it works side by side with other partners to maintain peace in Europe as long as it is needed. Italian jets keep the sky safe. Italy can always count on NATO and NATO on Italy. " For her part, Prime Minister Meloni confirms her full adherence to the principles and values of the Atlantic Alliance. "We are a serious and loyal nation, we have proven it so far and we will continue to do so." For Meloni, "it is a context in which we know that peace is not something we must take for granted, but it is something we must work for and that requires us to be ready to defend ourselves effectively. In this context, I reiterated to Stoltenberg that Italy strongly supports, in the face of our main challenge of the moment, the territorial integrity, sovereignty and freedom of Ukraine".