Sharjah24 – AFP: Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and US President Joe Biden stressed transatlantic unity in the unprecedented Western response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine at a White House meeting Tuesday.

"The ties between our two countries will always be strong and, if anything, this war in Ukraine has made them stronger," Draghi said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin "thought he could divide us. He failed," Draghi told Biden. "We stand together."

While calling out Russia's "butchery" in Ukraine, Draghi said it was time to "think deeply" about arranging a ceasefire.

"People want to think about the possibility of bringing a ceasefire and start engaging in credible negotiations," he said.

Biden, who hosted Draghi in the Oval Office, also praised Western unity, saying in comments while reporters were present that "Putin believed he could split us, but we've all stepped up."

Despite Italy's dependence on Russian gas and Rome's traditionally friendly ties with Moscow, Draghi's government has been a staunch supporter of efforts to punish Russia for its assault on Ukraine.