Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Monday respectively sent letters of condolence to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi following a deadly earthquake that struck central Italy.
"Together with the friendly Italian people, we share the grief of those who lost their families or friends," Yushchenko wrote in his message, released by the president`s press service.
Yushchenko said that if necessary, Ukraine could provide its assistance to Italy by sending its search and rescue unit, as well as a mobile medical unit.
"During hard times of grief and sorrow for the whole Italian people, we share the bitterness of the losses suffered and we sincerely mourn for the deceased. On behalf of the Ukrainian government and on my own behalf, please present our condolences to the families and friends of those injured and killed," Tymoshenko said in her message.
A powerful earthquake hit central Italy early Monday, killing more than 100 people, injuring some 1,500 and leaving around 70,000 homeless.
