Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini have discussed international support for Ukraine.

"The president praised the efforts of Germany and France, which allowed the formation of the so-called "Normandy four" [Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France] with the participation of Russia. Still, according to him, the international influence could be much stronger if Italy and Britain joined France and Germany," the president's press service reported.

During the meeting, the parties also exchanged opinions on the current situation in Ukraine and Italy's support in the international arena to Ukraine's efforts aimed at settlement of the situation in the country's east.

Poroshenko and Mogherini also discussed the prospects for international participation in the restoration of the infrastructure of Donbas after its liberation from militants.

The Ukrainian president congratulated Mogherini on the beginning of Italy's presidency of the Council of the European Union and expressed the hope that it would facilitate the European integration of Ukraine.

Poroshenko also expressed the hope that Italy would contribute to the active preparations for the ratification of the Association Agreement with the EU and the program of its implementation.

In turn, Mogherini said that Italy supported the efforts of the Ukrainian government aimed at the crisis settlement.

"We support your peace plan. We will use all our influence and all our opportunities, including bilateral contacts, to achieve the settlement in the region," Poroshenko's press service quoted Mogherini as saying.

"We feel the challenges that arise not only in Ukraine, but also in the EU-Russian relations," the Italian foreign minister said.

She said that she would discuss this matter during her visit to Moscow - her next destination after Kyiv.