“During the conversation, Lorenzo Guerini expressed sincere gratitude to Army General Shoigu for the prompt and timely dispatch by the Russian military department ... of a combined detachment of military specialists to assist in the fight against the spread of coronavirus infection," the Russian Defense Ministry quotes RIA Novosti.

Guerini noted the dedication and responsibility of Russian specialists at the Russian Chemical Plant and military doctors.

He expressed his readiness, if necessary, to provide the Russian side with medical assistance to combat the pandemic.

As Shoigu previously reported, the Russian units of radiation, chemical and biological protection that helped Italy fight the coronavirus pandemic begin to return on May 7.