Italy will support Ukraine on its way to the European Union, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said.

"Today the most important message of our meeting is that Italy wants to see Ukraine as a member of the European Union. That means it will unequivocally support Ukraine in candidate status and further on in joining the European Union," Draghi said at a news conference after the meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Italy and Romania Thursday in Kiev.

He said Ukraine's path to the EU involves deep reforms, a commitment to European values, freedom and independence, and there is no way to slow down or take a step back on that path.

"This project is the most essential for us, and we will do everything we can to bring it closer to realization," Draghi said.