Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has harshly criticized the agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the purchase of Russian diesel fuel. In a statement in Rome, Meloni described the deal as a “highly risky choice,” warning that it could weaken the impact of sanctions against Russia.
Speaking in parliament ahead of the European Union Council meeting in Brussels, Meloni said that legitimizing Moscow while Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine is unacceptable. The Italian leader argued that this step contradicts the policy of pressure pursued to date to bring Putin to the negotiating table.
Meloni suggested that Putin is trying to distract from the course of the war by provoking Europe. Regarding support for Ukraine, Meloni stated that Rome's line has not changed, sending the message that “Italy's position remains unchanged.”
REACTIONS FROM KYIV AND MOSCOW
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Meloni in a post on his X account during his visit to London. Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the Italian Prime Minister for “understanding who the aggressor is and what it means to build a dignified, lasting peace.”
In an interview in the UK, Zelenskyy expressed his discomfort with Trump's stance. The Ukrainian leader said, “It is painful that President Trump has chosen a different side.” These words from Zelenskyy were interpreted as an indirect reference to the allegations that surfaced regarding the US-based Starlink satellite network during recent Russian attacks.
The response from Moscow was harsh. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, while evaluating Meloni's statements to the Italian press, used the phrase, “That is none of her business.”
CALL FOR A COMMON VOICE FOR EUROPE
In her speech, Meloni also touched upon how Europe should be represented in a potential negotiation process. Recalling the initiatives of France, Germany, and the UK in the E3 format, Meloni said that if these countries are to act on behalf of all of Europe, they must do so with an official mandate.
If France, Germany, and Great Britain believe that in the known E3 format, as they have preferred to do so far, they can do better on their own than we could all do together, they should at least act on behalf of everyone and with an official mandate from all countries.
The Italian Prime Minister emphasized that Europe should not act in a fragmented manner and should not provide space for those who want to deepen divisions. Meloni said she wants a representative to be determined who would be accepted by all 27 member states and could carry Europe's common position to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, disagreements continue within the ruling coalition in Italy regarding the scope of support provided to Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister and League party leader Matteo Salvini argued that Italy cannot continue to transfer billions of euros to Ukraine indefinitely, stating, “We cannot continue forever to send billions of euros as non-repayable aid, rather than as loans.”
News Source: 12punto
